User manual

G3-Combi
Page - 22
Clayton Power GmbH
the useful life of the battery. Remove dirt and dust accumulations from the top of the battery.
Wash the top of the battery with clean hot water and soda solution to neutralize any acid
accumulation. Baking soda used in the home is satisfactory. Rinse with clean water and dry.
Ensure vent caps are in place and no soda enters the battery.
3.1 Check of electrolyte
In the case of regular or low maintenance batteries: - Check the height of the electrolyte twice a
month. If necessary replace with approved water only - use of non-distilled water can cause
mineral build-up in the battery cell. NEVER fill batteries with seawater, as DANGEROUS
CHLORINE GAS will be liberated. Never fill the cells above the bottom of the vent (observe the
regarding information of battery-manufacturer). Overfilling will cause loss of electrolyte and
reduce the battery capacity. Preventive maintenance involves as a minimum to check the cell
electrolyte level for correct acid volume once a month and equalizing once every six months.
3.2 Sealed batteries
In the case of sealed battery, the state of charge can be practically evaluated by measuring
open cell voltage, with a digital multi-meter. This method is however not 100% reliable, because
sulfating of the battery may result the increased voltage on the terminal. Than not fully charged
batteries should be considered for fully charged. – Use a special testing instrument, available
from a battery-dealer.
Before reading out the open cell voltage, the surface charge has to be removed. – The
recommended method is to allow to rest the battery without charging or discharging for between
six to twelve hours at room temperature if possible.
Summary of maintenance
 Secure the batteries always are fully charged.
 Batteries must not be left discharged for longer period without charging.
 Recharging on regular basis tends to prevent irreversible permanent sulfating
 Open / Wet batteries need topping up with distilled water frequently.
 Use protective goggles and rubber gloves, when working with batteries (acid)
 Clean battery top and poles.
 Use anti corrosion oil or Vaseline on pole bolts to preserve the surface.
 Remove any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust with a battery brass wire brush
 Don’t place the batteries in hot areas.
 Check min once a year the pole bolts are well tightened.
 Replace the battery if the battery case is bulging, cracked or leaking.
3.3 Battery storage
Lead-acid batteries must be stored in the open-circuit condition with the terminals insulated.
Long periods of storage at even low drain rates may result in permanent damage.
Batteries should be stored in cool, dry and frost-free environments in their upright position.
Batteries that will be stored for extended periods should undergo regular open-cell voltage
checks and be recharged as necessary. – This recharging will also prevent the build up of the
damaging process of sulfating of the battery. Continuous float charging or periodic recharging
will prevent batteries from freezing.
 Do not store the lead acid batteries in discharged state
 Batteries should be kept at least 3/4 charged, especially during winter weather.