Cleaning; Before Charging; Charging Recommendations; Charging And Equalizing - US BATTERY US1800 XC2 User Manual

3
CARE AND
MAINTENANCE

3.3 CLEANING

Observe the battery for cleanliness at regular intervals and keep terminals and connec-
tors free of corrosion by using a wire brush as necessary. Terminal corrosion may ad-
versely affect the performance of the battery, and could be a safety hazard.
● Make sure that all vent caps are properly installed on the battery.(Flooded Batter-
ies only)
● Clean the top of the battery, terminals and connections with a cloth or brush and a
solution of baking soda and water (1 cup of baking soda to 1 gallon of water/60ml
of baking soda per liter of water). Do not allow cleaning solution to get inside
the battery.
● Rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
● Apply a thin coat of terminal protector spray or terminal protection grease that can
be purchased through your local battery dealer. Apply after installation of cables,
not before. A coating between the terminal and the cable can cause resistance.
● Keep the area around batteries clean and dry.
16

4.1 BEFORE CHARGING

Proper charging is critical to maximize battery capacity and life. Both under- or over-
charging batteries can significantly reduce the life of the battery. For proper charging,
refer to the instructions that came with your equipment. Most chargers are automatic
and pre-programmed. Some chargers allow the user to set the voltage and current
values. Refer to "Table 4:" for charging guidelines and to Section 4.2.1 for US Battery's
recommended deep-cycle flooded/wet charging guidelines. Refer to the deep-cycle
AGM charging guidelines (Section 4.2.2) and to "Diagram 6" for US Battery's recom-
mended deep-cycle AGM charging guidelines.
● Deep-cycle lead acid batteries should be charged before their first use due to
self-discharging.
● Make sure the charger is set to the appropriate program for deep-cycle flooded/
wet or AGM depending on the type of battery you are charging.
● Fully charge the batteries at the first available opportunity after each use.
● Lead-acid batteries (deep-cycle flooded/wet, AGM or gel) do not have a memory
effect and therefore do not need to be fully discharged before recharging.
● Charge only in well-ventilated areas.
● Check electrolyte level to make sure plates are covered with water before charging
(deep-cycle flooded/wet batteries only). Refer to "3.2 Watering (flooded batteries".
● Check that all vent caps are secured properly on the battery before charging. It is
dangerous and an explosion hazard to remove caps for (or while) charging.
● Deep-cycle flooded/wet batteries will gas (bubble) towards the end of charge to
ensure the electrolyte is properly mixed.
● Never charge a frozen battery.
● Avoid charging at temperatures above 120°F (49°C).

4.2 CHARGING RECOMMENDATIONS

U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company, Inc. recommends the use of 'opportunity
charging' or charging batteries and battery packs at every opportunity while in storage
or service. Following this recommendation will assure that batteries are always at the
highest possible State of Charge (SOC) to maximize performance and range and to
minimize the battery's Depth of Discharge (DOD) to optimize performance and life. The
charging process is intended to fulfill several objectives. First, the charging process
should replace the capacity (in amp-hours) removed from the battery during previous
4
CHARGING AND
EQUALIZING
User Manual 17