Cushman AC TUG Owner's Manual page 41

Prolonged Storage
Battery charger, controller and other electronic devices need to be disconnected since they will contribute to
the premature discharge of batteries.
During periods of storage, the batteries will need attention to keep them maintained and prevent discharge. In high
temperatures the chemical reaction is faster, while low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to slow down. A
vehicle that is stored at 90° F (32° C) will lose .002 of specific gravity each day. If a fully charged battery has a specific
gravity of 1.275, and the battery is allowed to sit unused, it will become partially discharged. When it reaches 1.240,
which it will do in less than twenty days, it should be recharged. If a battery is left in a discharged state, sulfating takes
place on and within the plates. This condition is not reversible and will cause permanent damage to the battery. In
order to prevent damage, the battery should be recharged. A hydrometer can be used to determine the specific gravity
and therefore the state of charge of a battery.
In winter conditions, the battery must be
fully charged to prevent the possibility of
freezing. A fully charged battery will not
freeze in temperatures above -75° F (-60°
C). Although the chemical reaction is slowed
in cold temperatures, the battery must be
stored fully charged, and disconnected from
any circuit that could discharge the battery.
For portable chargers, disconnect the
charging plug from the vehicle receptacle.
For on-board chargers, disconnect the
charging harness from the batteries. The
batteries must be cleaned and all deposits
neutralized and removed from the battery
case to prevent self discharge. The batteries
should be tested or recharged at thirty day
minimum intervals.
Battery Charging
The battery charger is designed to fully
charge the battery set. If the batteries are
severely deep cycled, some automatic bat-
tery chargers contain an electronic module
that may not activate and the battery char-
ger will not function. Automatic chargers will
determine the correct duration of charge to
the battery set and will shut off when the
battery set is fully charged. Always refer to
the instructions of the specific charger used.
NOTICE: Before charging, the following
should be observed:
Do not overfill batteries. The charging cycle will expel electrolyte and result in component damage.
• The electrolyte level in all cells must be at the recommended level and cover the plates.
• The charging must take place in an area that is well ventilated and capable of removing the hydrogen gas that is
generated by the charging process. A minimum of five air exchanges per hour is recommended.
• The charging connector components must be in good condition and free from dirt or debris.
• The charger connector must be fully inserted into the vehicle receptacle.
• The charger connector/cord set is protected from damage and is located in an area to prevent injury that may result
from personnel running over or tripping over the cord set.
• The charger is automatically turned off during the connect/disconnect cycle and therefore no electrical arc is gener-
ated at the AC plug/receptacle contacts.
O O
F C
+15 -9
E
L
+5 -15
E
C
-5 -21
T
R
O
-15 -26
L
Y
-25 -32
T
E
-35 -37
T
-45 -43
E
M
-55 -48
P
E
R -65 -54
A
T
-75 -60
U
R
-85 -65
E
-95 -71
1.100
1.120
SPECIFIC GRAVITY ELECTROLYTE FREEZING POINT
1.140 1.180 1.220
1.160 1.200
M
AINTENANCE
1.260 1.300
1.240 1.280
35