Tips to Maintain Lead Acid Battery

2. Lead acid batteries are the oldest and most among the all-battery technologies. Because of their large applications, lead-acid batteries have the lowest cost of all-battery technologies. This battery operates at an ambient temperature and has an aqueous electrolyte. Even though the lead-acid battery is relatively inexpensive, it is very heavy, with a limited usable energy by weight. The average life of a lead acid battery is two to four years, depending upon its quality and the kind of care exercised in its use. To get maximum life out of a lead-acid battery, the following procedures are recommended.

3. Keep the Top of Battery Clean & Dry It is important to keep the top of the battery clean and dry at all times to prevent corrosion and leakage of current. If corrosion has started, the battery may be cleaned by the use of a stiff brush and then wiped with a rag moistened in a solution of household ammonia.

4. Keep the Electrolyte at the Proper Level The level of electrolyte should be checked at regular intervals of one or two weeks and when found to be too low; it should be brought to the proper level by adding water free from impurities. It should always be 1 Cm above the top of plates and separators.

5. Take Frequent Hydrometer Readings It is advised to take these readings at the same time the level of electrolyte is being checked. When the specific gravity of the electrolyte drops to about 1.18, the battery should be recharged. Low charged battery produce excess of lead sulphate on the plate reducing life of the battery.

6. Never Over Charge the Battery Over charging may cause excessive heat and gassing and also a permanent loss in some of the active material of the plates. The battery temperature should not exceed 40 degree Celsius.

7. Don’t Leave Battery Discharged For a Long Period Battery in a discharged condition for a long period may form a coating of hard lead sulphate on the plates. This sulphate coating cannot be converted to active materials and the battery is permanently damaged.

8. Give a Fresh Charge If a lead acid battery is to be stored for several months, the level of the electrolyte should be periodically checked. After intervals of 4-6 weeks, the battery should be given a freshening charge so that it will be kept fully charged at all times.

9. Never Short Circuit the Battery Since the internal resistance of a lead acid battery is very small, a short circuit will give a damaging current of several hundred amperes. This may cause the plates to buckle ruining the battery.

10. Warning • If battery electrolyte is spilled, take immediate action to stop its corrosive effects. • External – Flush with cold water to • remove all acid. • Eyes – Flush with cold water for 15 minutes. • Get medical attention at once. • Internal – Drink large amount of water or milk. Follow with magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable oil. • Clothing or Vehicle – Neutralize with baking soda or household ammonia solution.

11. If you want to know more about lead acid battery or other advanced energy storage components, visit Axion Power International Inc. Contact Details Address: AxionPower International Inc 3601 Clover Lane New Castle, PA 16105 Phone: (724) 654-9300 (877) 324-9300 Email: info@axionpower.com Website URL: http://www.axionpower.com/