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If your batteries are not the sealed type, distilled water should be added to them
whenever needed. The electrolyte should cover the plates by about 1/2", allowing a
small air space at the top. Do not fill the cells up to the filler cap as this could cause
the battery to sputter out electrolyte when it is being charged. Only distilled water
should be used never plain tap water. Tap water contains chemicals and elements
that can alter the properties of the electrolyte, including specific gravity. Some chemi-
cals may also create an insulating coating on the battery plates which will retard
current flow.
The rate that water is lost by the battery is dependent on several factors; battery
condition, ambient temperature, battery use, charge voltage, etc. It is normal for
batteries which are not maintenance-free to require topping off about once a month.
A battery's state of charge may be monitored by checking the specific gravity or by
open circuit voltage. You may use the following table to evaluate the condition of your
batteries:
Battery Condition Table
Specific Gravity
Measured by
Hydrometer
1.265
1.225
1.190
1.155
1.120
* Note: Wait at least 5 minutes after charging or discharging before checking specific
gravity or open circuit voltage. The battery's voltage needs to stabilize in order to get an
accurate reading.
Troubleshooting Your Battery System
If your battery will not accept or hold a charge, one of the following conditions may
exist:
1. A BAD BATTERY. You may have a battery with an open or shorted cell, a battery
without any "life" left. Check by charging the battery until all cells have a specific
gravity of 1.225 or greater at 80° F. If you are unable to obtain 1.225 in each cell,
replace the battery.
2. A BAD BATTERY CHARGER. If the battery open circuit voltage is low and/or the
hydrometer indicates your batteries are low, the battery charger should be providing
current to the batteries. If it is not, check the input fuse and check to see that you
have charging voltage on the output with no battery attached. Note: You will not get an
accurate voltage reading on the output of the charger with no batteries attached. This is
checked merely to ensure that you do not have an open circuit on the output.
18
U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS
P.O. Box 1306, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone: 714-751-0488 Fax: 714-957-1621
E-Mail: sales@newmarpower.com
Open Circuit Voltage
12 Volt System
24 Volt System
12.6 or more
25.2 or more
12.4
24.8
12.2
24.4
12.0
24.0
11.7 or less
23.4 or less
www.newmarpower.com
State of
Discharge @ 80° F
Fully Charged
25 % Discharged
50 % Discharged
75 % Discharged
100 % Discharged
EURO WAREHOUSE
Phone:+31-35-603-2494 Fax:+31-35-603-2149
E-Mail: newmareuro@newmarpower.com
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