MBT-LA2 Operating Instructions
Product Description The ZTS MBT-LA2 provides a comprehensive means of testing the State of Charge and battery condition for 2V, 4V, 6V, 8V, and 12V lead acid battery types (SLA, AGM, Gel, Wet). This microprocessor-controlled instrument tests popular batteries using a patented, high accuracy pulse load test. A fully automatic test cycle, indicated by ‘running’ LEDs, begins when the TEST key is pressed. After each pulse-load test, a single LED indicates percentage of remaining battery capacity.
Note: There are four different 6V and 12V MODES and two 8V MODE options depending on battery capacity. Choose the MODE which corresponds to the battery being tested. 2) Connect the test leads securely to the battery’s terminals. Verify that the red test lead is connected to battery positive (+) and black to battery negative (-). 3) Press the TEST button once. All display LEDs should ‘run’ for 15 seconds indicating a pulse load test in progress.
2) Batteries which test 60% or lower may be: a. Not fully charged but otherwise in good condition and still capable of taking a full charge, such as a new/good battery not yet in service. b. Fully charged but with diminished capacity due to age or excessive charge-discharge cycles. Note: Generally, a battery which has recently been charged or has been on float charge should indicate 80-100% for 2-3 tests. Results of 60% or lower indicate diminished battery capacity.
the test results will be incorrect. 3) Make two tests, 5-10 seconds apart. This verifies that the battery is stabilized and capable of consistent power output under the pulse load. 4) Connect the tester’s clamps directly to the battery terminals. Any extension or modification to the tester’s lead wires can cause testing errors. To insure accurate testing, use only ZTS lead sets (clip or plier type). 5) Disconnect the battery from other circuits before testing.
-5- Test Result (LED Display) 10 20 40 60 80 100 100 • • ∆ • ∆ • ∆ • 10 • ∆ ∆ 120°F 68°F 0°F • 80 60 40 20 State of Charge or remaining battery capacity (%) ∆
temperature is 0°F. Conversely, a battery whose SOC is 90% will produce a test result of 100% at 120°F. In all cases, the MBT-LA will indicate the actual remaining battery capacity that is available at a given temperature. Testing Multiple Battery Systems SLA battery cells are nominally 2.15 volts each and are combined in groups to make batteries with 4V, 6V, 8V, and 12V at the terminals.
To test single batteries connected in parallel, it is necessary to disconnect one terminal to test the battery accurately. Testing a group, as shown in the illustration, takes into account all batteries and their inter-connections. This can be done with 6v and 12v systems, where the total AH capacity does not exceed 200AH. Verify that the tester is set to the proper MODE for total amp-hour capacity.
above the selected MODE. The MODE LED will blink if the TEST button is pressed and no test cycle will be initiated. For example, if 4v MODE is selected and the leads are connected to a 12v battery, the 4V MODE LED will blink and the test button will not function. 5) The leads should be left connected/plugged into the tester when not in use. This minimizes contamination and helps insure good electrical connection. Operating Problems / Troubleshooting 1) No operation and no LED activity. a.
temperature, and the specified cut-off voltage. Most batteries have a rated capacity, expressed in amp-hours (AH), that is based on a 20 hour constant discharge to a cut-off voltage of 1.75v per cell. For example, a 6v battery with a rated capacity of 5AH should deliver 250mA for 20 hours before its voltage drops to 5.25v. Capacity will decrease at higher rates of discharge and increase with lower rates of discharge.
Accessories MBT-LA2 Accessory Kit (P/N: K-MBTLA2) This kit includes a protective soft case, suspension crown/hanging strap, and strong magnet. The soft case has a secure Velcro® flap and protects against dirt and impact. The hanging strap has a quick release buckle for easy fastening to conduit, pipes, ladder rungs, etc. The magnet, which secures to the strap, enables attachment to steel surfaces such as battery cabinets.
Specifications Testing 2v 4v 6v 8v 12v capability (SLA battery): [2-25AH] [2-25AH] [1-4AH, 5-15AH, 16-50AH, 51-200AH] [2-20AH, 21-100AH] [1-4AH, 5-15AH, 16-50AH, 51-200AH] Power (internal): Auto shut-off: Pulse load: Testing duration: Display: Test leads: Dimensions: Weight: UPC: 4 x AA. Auto self test. After 20 minutes w/o test activity Varies according to battery type approx.
NOTES: © 2010 ZTS, Inc.
® MBT-LA2 Lead Acid Multi-Battery Tester Features • Computes State of Charge for lead acid battery types (SLA, AGM, Gel, Flooded) • Easy to use, fast test results (15 seconds) • Patented, high accuracy Pulse Load test • Test 2-volt, 4-volt, 6-volt, 8-volt, 12-volt • Ideal for battery management - reduce cost and increase reliability Applications • • • • • • • • Fire/security UPS Medical Industrial Mobility Emergency lighting Manufacturing Access control • • • • • • • • Battery managemen
