Care And Maintenance; Inspection; Watering (Flooded Batteries Only) - US BATTERY US1800 XC2 User Manual

3
CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
The following information will help prevent the majority of issues that are known to
cause premature failure. Follow these instructions frequently to get the most out of your
investment!
For a quick list of important topics visit our

3.1 INSPECTION

● Check the outside of the battery. The tops of the batteries and terminal connec-
tions should be clean, free of dirt and corrosion, and dry. Refer to Cleaning section
3.3.
● If you notice any fluid on the top of a deep-cycle flooded/wet battery, it may mean
that the battery is being overfilled with water or overcharged. Refer to Watering
section 3.2 for the proper watering procedure.
● If fluid is on the top of a deep-cycle AGM battery this means that the battery is be-
ing overcharged and the performance and life will be reduced.
● Check battery cables and connections. Replace any damaged cables. Tighten any
loose connections. Refer to Torque Values section "2.1 Cable Size and Bolt Nut
Specification" on page 6.

3.2 WATERING (FLOODED BATTERIES ONLY)

Water should never be added to deep-cycle AGM batteries and they should never
be opened. Deep-cycle flooded/wet batteries need to be watered periodically. The fre-
quency depends upon battery usage and operating temperatures. Check new batteries
every few weeks to determine the watering frequency for your application. It is normal
for batteries to need more watering as they age.
● Fully charge the batteries prior to adding water. Water should be added if the
plates are exposed regardless of the charge state. If discharged batteries show
exposed plates, add just enough water to cover the plates and then charge the
batteries and continue with the watering after the full charge as indicated below.
● Remove the vent caps and place them upside down to prevent contamination on
the underside of the caps and to prevent the acid on the caps from getting else-
where. Check the electrolyte level.
● If the electrolyte level is more than ¼" below the bottom edge of the fill well tube
then add distilled or the approved water to a 1/4" (6 mm) below the bottom edge of
the fill well tube as shown in the illustration below:
14

care and maintenance

webpage.
DIAGRAM 4
Correct Fill Level
Bottom of Fill Well
Head Space
Plate Tops
● After adding water, firmly install vent caps back on batteries.
● Tap water may be used if the levels of impurities are within acceptable limits.
User Manual 15