Battery - How to Handle Battery (Cont'd)
EL-17prose procedureHow to Handle Battery (Cont'd)
SULPHATION
NOTE
When a battery has been left unattended for a long period of time and has a specific gravity of less than 1.100, it will be completely discharged, resulting in sulphation on the cell plates. Compared with a battery discharged under normal conditions, the current flow in a "sulphated" battery is not as smooth although its voltage is high during the initial stage of charging, as shown in the figure at the left.
Specific gravity check
- 1Read hydrometer and thermometer indications at eye level. When electrolyte level is too low, tilt battery case to raise it for easy measurement.
- 2Convert into specific gravity at 20°C (68°F).
NOTE
When electrolyte temperature is 35°C (95°F) and specific gravity of electrolyte is 1.230, converted specific gravity at 20°C (68°F) is 1.240. When electrolyte temperature is 0°C (32°F) and specific gravity of electrolyte is 1.210, converted specific gravity at 20°C (68°F) is 1.196.