Chapter 6 - Batteries; General Maintenance; Charging - Snorkel S3215L Operator's Manual

Each battery tray contains two, 6 volt batteries. These
batteries supply 24 volt DC electrical power to operate
the aerial platform drive and platform control systems.
Proper machine operation depends on well maintained
and charged batteries.

General Maintenance

Always keep the batteries clean, free of dirt and corrosion.
A film on top of the battery can accelerate discharge.
Warning
Battery acid can damage the skin and eyes. Serious
infection or reaction can result if medical treatment is
not given immediately. Wear face and eye protection
when working near the batteries.
Use distilled water to refill the batteries. Avoid water
containing metallic solids such as iron which can reduce
the life of the batteries.
Consult a battery charger specialist if extreme tempera-
ture use is unavoidable.
Cold reduces battery capacity and retards charging.
y
Heat increases water usage and can result in over-
y

charging.

Very high temperatures can cause thermal run away
y
which may lead to an explosion or fire.
Charging
The aerial platform is equipped with an automatic battery
charger that will completely recharge the batteries and
turn off after the charge cycle is completed.
Warning
Batteries give off hydrogen and oxygen that can com-
bine explosively. Death or serious injury can result
from a chemical explosion. Charge the batteries only
in a well ventilated area away from sparks or flame.
Caution
The batteries can be overcharged and/or damaged
if the charger fails to shut off automatically. Do not
leave the battery charger on for more than two days.
It may take from 1 1/2 to 16 hours to recharge the batteries
depending on the amount of discharge. If the charging
cycle exceeds 16 hours without the batteries being fully
recharged, shut off the charger and have the batteries
checked.
Fully recharge the batteries, immediately after use.
One charging cycle per day is preferred.
y
Fully charged batteries perform best.
y
S3215L/S3215E/S3219E/S3220E/S3226E/S4726E/S4732E – 1500834
Chapter 6 – Batteries
The deeper the discharge, the fewer number of cycles
y
a battery will deliver. Deep discharges deteriorate the
battery quicker than light shallow cycles.
An overly discharged battery may need to be cycled
y
a few times before it can fully recover.
If a battery begins to heat before becoming fully
y
charged, it may be necessary to recharge and dis-
charge the battery a few times.
Use the following procedure to charge the batteries.
1. The battery disconnect switch is at the rear of the
chassis, below the entry step (refer to Figure 6.1).
Turn the battery disconnect switch off.
2. Check the battery water level. Add water to individual
cells only if the plates are exposed. Replace the bat-
tery caps.
3. Plug the charger into a properly grounded AC outlet
using a 3 conductor, 12 gauge or larger extension
cord. The extension cord must be as short as pos-
sible and in good electrical condition.
4. Leave the charger plugged in until it shuts itself off.
5. Unplug the extension cord after the charger turns itself
off. Allow the batteries to cool off after charging.
6. Check the battery water level. Add water to individual
cells only if the plates are exposed. Replace the bat-
tery caps.
Battery Disconnect Switch
Figure 6.1 – Rear of Chassis
21