Invacare Wheelchair Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual page 15

SAFETY INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING
Using Hydrometer to Check Battery Cells
(Lead Acid) (FIGURE 1)
NOTE: Perform this procedure when a digital voltmeter is
not available.
WARNING
NEVER smoke or strike a match near the batteries.
If the caps of battery cells are removed, NEVER
look directly into them when charging battery.
The use of rubber gloves and safety glasses is rec-
ommended when testing the battery cells.
When reading a hydrometer, DO NOT allow any
liquid to come in contact with your eyes or skin. It
is a form of acid and can cause serious burns,
and in some cases, blindness. If you do get bat-
tery acid on you, flush the exposed areas with cool
water IMMEDIATELY. If the acid comes into con-
tact with eyes or causes serious burns, get medi-
cal help IMMEDIATELY.
The battery acid can damage your wheelchair,
clothing, and household items. Therefore, take
readings cautiously and only in designated areas.
ONLY use distilled water when topping off the bat-
tery cells.
Most batteries are not sold with instructions. How-
ever, warnings are frequently noted on the cell
caps. Read them carefully.
1. Remove the battery boxes from the wheelchair. Refer
to one (1) of the following:
FWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING
BATTERY BOXES in PROCEDURE 10 of this manual.
RWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING
BATTERY BOXES in PROCEDURE 11 of this manual.
2. Remove the battery caps from the battery.
3. Squeeze the air from the hydrometer.
4. Place the hydrometer into a battery cell.
NOTE: DO NOT fill hydrometer more than 3/4 full.
5. Draw up sufficient acid to cover float balls.
6. Tap lightly to remove air bubbles.
7. Number of floating balls indicates charge.
NUMBER OF FLOATING BALLS
0
1
2
3
4
* 5
* Check charging system.
8. Flush the liquid back into the same cell after reading
the float. Repeat this step until all cells have been
properly read. A shorted or dead cell can be detected
when it is the only cell that doesn't charge.
9. Flush hydrometer in cold running water by allowing
the water to rise into the hydrometer as far as pos-
sible. Do this several times to guard against burn dam-
age.
10. Replace the battery caps.
11. Reinstall the battery boxes. Refer to one (1) of the
following:
FWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING
BATTERY BOXES in PROCEDURE 10 of this manual.
RWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING
BATTERY BOXES in PROCEDURE 11 of this manual.
FIGURE 1 - USING A HYDROMETER TO CHECK
BATTERY CELLS (LEAD ACID)
15
PROCEDURE 2
Discharged
25% Charged
50% Charged
75% Charged
100% Charged
Overcharged
Number of Floating
Balls Will Vary
According to Charge
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