Operator`s manual

Service information
17. In situations where multiple batteries are con
-
nected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, a re
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placement battery's should be of the same size,
age, and usage level as the companion batteries.
Do not put a new battery in a pack that has 50 or
more cycles. Either replace all the batteries with
new batteries or install a good used battery's in
place of the bad. New batteries should be given a
full charge before use.
18. Periodic battery testing is an important preventative
maintenance procedure. Hydrometer readings of
each cell (fully charged) give and indication of balance
and true charge level.Imbalance could mean the need
for equalizing and is often a sign of improper charging
or a bad cell. Voltage checks (open circuit, charged
and discharged) can locate a bad cell or weak battery.
Load testing will pick out a bad cell when other meth
-
ods fail. The point is to look for the abnormal. A weak
cell or battery will cause premature failure of compan
-
ion cells or batteries respectively.
19. As batteries age, their maintenance requirements
change, Generally their specific gravity is higher and
gassing voltage goes up. This means longer charging
time and/or higher finish rate (higher amperage at the
end of charge). Usually, older batteries need to be wa
-
tered more often and their capacity decreases.
20. “Opportunity charging”, a short partial charge during an
extended duty cycle, is a controversial subject. Gen-
erally, the practice is a “crutch” to make up for under-
sized batteries. The correct approach is to install
adequate battery capacity. If this is impossible because
of lack of space in the battery compartment or extreme
operating conditions (24 hour intermittent use, as an
example), “opportunity charging” is better than exces-
sive battery discharging. However, the practice can
cause batteries to over heat, require more watering,
and usually will shorten battery life. “Opportunity charg
-
ing” is a trade off; something to avoid if possible. One
charging cycle per day is preferable.
21. Extreme temperatures can substantially affect bat
-
tery performance and charging. Cold reduces bat
-
tery capacity and retards charging. Heat increases
water usage and can result in overcharging. Very
high temperature can cause “thermal run away”
which may lead to and explosion or fire. If extreme
temperature is an unavoidable part of an applica
-
tion, consult a battery/charger specialist about
ways to deal with the problem.
22. An overly discharged battery might need to be cy
-
cled a few times before it can recover fully. If a bat
-
tery begins to heat before coming up to a full
charge, it might be necessary to discharge the bat
-
tery and recharge it a few times. The charge and
discharge cycle might help the current acceptance
of the battery and facilitate its recovery to a usable
condition.
23. Inactivity can be harmful to deep cycle batteries. If
they sit for several months, a “boost” charge should
be given -- more frequently in warm climate (about
once a month) than in cold (every 2-3 months).
24. Never store a battery in a discharged state.The sul
-
fate that forms during discharge can make the bat
-
tery impossible to recharge fully.
Battery charger
ATB 46e units are equipped with an onboard automatic
battery charger. This charger has an electronic circuit
that will completely recharge the batteries and automati
-
cally turn off after the charge cycle is completed.
The charging cycle may last 11/2 to 16 hours depending
on the state of charge of the batteries.If the charging cy
-
cle should exceed 16 hours without the batteries being
fully recharged, the charger should be shut off and the
batteries should be checked.
If the batteries show no signs of problems and the spe
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cific gravity readings are within the range indicated pre
-
viously, then the charger should be checked.
General charging cautions
1. Do not recharge batteries unless Electrolyte level
has been checked. Operate charger in accordance
with the battery charging instructions outline in this
manual. Place BATTERY DISCONNECT switch in
the “OFF” position before charging batteries.
2. Do not smoke or introduce a flame or spark in the
charging area.
Lead acid batteries generate highly explosive Hy-
drogen gas, especially during charging cycle. To
avoid the possibility of an explosion, charge batter-
ies only in a well ventilated area away form sparks or
flame.
3. Use protective face and eye equipment when
checking the condition of charging batteries.
4. Place the battery disconnect switch in the "OFF"
position before charging batteries.
ATB 46e – revised December 2001 7
DANGER