Lead-Acid Storage Batteries

For more information on hand tools refer to Use

When charging more than one battery at a time,

and Care of Hand Tools and Measuring Tools,

make sure that the voltage of the charging line

NAVEDTRA 12085.

exceeds the total voltage of the batteries being

charged and that the charging rate, in amperes,

does not exceed the maximum charging rate of

BATTERIES

the battery having the lowest ampere-hour

capacity in the line.

Lead-acid storage batteries are used as an

emergency power source for IC systems, such as

Lower the charging rate as soon as the battery

gyrocompasses and automatic telephone exchanges.

begins to gas or the temperature of the battery

Alkaline storage batteries are used in bus failure

reaches 125F (52C). If the battery is not

alarms and dry-cell batteries are used in various pieces

allowed to cool off, it will be permanently

of test equipment. You must be careful when you use

damaged.

and maintain batteries, because of the electrical and

Keep the temperature of the battery compart-

chemical hazards involved. Chemical hazards include

ment below 96F (36C).

both the possibility of explosion and handling of

hazardous chemicals. As an IC Electrician, you will

Make no repairs to battery connections when

care for and maintain these batteries. NSTM, chapter

current is flowing. Never connect or disconnect

313, gives extensive coverage of battery care, tests,

batteries on the charging line without first turn-

and safety precautions.

ing off the charging current; death or severe

injury could result.

Lead-Acid Storage Batteries

When using tools around a battery, be careful

not to short-circuit the battery terminals.

Lead-acid storage batteries are rechargeable and,

Always pour acid slowly into water, and never

when cared for properly, will last for 4 or more years,

water into acid. Guard skin and eyes against

depending upon type and use. When a lead-acid

storage battery is not fit for further use, it must be

splashes of acid. Wear a rubber apron, rubber

surveyed and disposed of according to NSTM, chapter

boots, rubber gloves, chemical splashproof

593. The safety precautions for lead-acid storage

goggles, and a full-face shield.

batteries are as follows:

Exercise proper care when handling acid.

Keep flames and sparks of all kinds away from

Do not add acid of greater specific gravity than

the vicinity of storage batteries. A battery on

1.350 to a battery.

charge always gives off a certain amount of

hydrogen gas, which is extremely explosive.

Do not store sulphuric acid in places where

freezing temperatures are possible.

Be sure battery compartments that have been

sealed are well ventilated before entering the

Keep the electrolyte level above the tops of

compartment, turning on any lights, making or

separators.

breaking any electrical connections, or doing

Add only pure distilled water to a battery.

any work in the compartment.

Do not, except in an emergency, discharge the

You must ensure that the battery compartment

battery below the given low-voltage limit.

ventilation system is operating properly before

starting to charge batteries.

Never allow a battery to stand in a completely

discharged condition for more than 24 hours.

Stop the charge if ventilation is interrupted,

except in an emergency, and do not resume the

Do not operate the battery above 125F (52C).

charge until ventilation has been restored.

Avoid all sparks when removing or replacing

Charge a battery at the rate given on its name-

batteries located in compartments that may

plate.

contain gasoline vapors. Only tools with

insulated handles should be used. Where

Never charge a battery at a higher finishing rate

than that given on its nameplate.

batteries are used with one terminal grounded,

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