Exide Technologies GB4145 - Manual (Page 2)

3. placinG in serVice
Verify that the battery weight meets or exceeds the
minimum truck weight requirements. Allow the battery
to cool or warm to room temperature before charging
or adding water. Make sure the battery charger is
properly matched to the battery and GNB-approved for
use with GNB Flooded Classic Platinum fast charge
batteries. Use a charger with automatic charger
termination controls.
Remove the vent caps from each cell and check to see
that the electrolyte level is above the perforated,
plastic element protector. If it is obvious that the
electrolyte has spilled out of any cells, replace it with
electrolyte of the same specific gravity as found in the
other cells of the battery. Replace the vent caps and
give the battery a freshening charge until there is no
increase in specific gravity for three hydrometer
readings taken at one hour intervals.
During shipment of the battery, low temperatures
and/or normal shock and vibration often results in a
drop in the electrolyte level. If the level is below the
element protector, recheck it after 3 hours of charging.
If the level remains below the element protector, add
water or electrolyte to the proper level at the end of
charging.
Following the first month of service, the battery should
reach its normal operating specific gravity of 1.305 ±
0.005 at 77˚ F (25˚C).
4. operation
Batteries are rated in ampere-hours (Ah) and are selected
to perform a specific workload within an established
period of time. Because fast charge systems are designed
to return a significant amount of ampere-hours in short
periods of time, fast charge batteries are capable of
delivering up to 160% of their rated capacity within a 24-
hour period. To achieve such high levels of usage,
operators must be diligent to "plug in" at all opportunities
throughout the day, including breaks, meals, and shift
changes. Care must be taken to ensure specific gravity
readings in the battery cells do not go below 1.160 at any
time.
A GNB Flooded Classic Platinum fast charge battery is
designed for fast charging during breaks, meal times, and
shift changes. When not being used, the battery should
always be connected to the charger.
A battery should always be recharged immediately
following a complete discharge. Never allow it to remain in
a discharged condition, otherwise, permanent damage
may result.
Flooded flat-plate motive power batteries are designed
and built to deliver 80% of their rated capacity at
77˚ F (25˚C.)
5. temperature
In the operation of fast charge lead-acid batteries, the
electrolyte temperature must not exceed a maximum of
140˚F (60˚C), and must maintain an average temperature
of 125˚F (52˚C). Following the end of the day full charge,
the battery should be allowed to cool to ambient
temperature prior to the next discharge.
If a battery consistently operates at temperatures close to
the allowable maximums, contact your local GNB
representative for service.
6. charGinG
The start rate of a fast charge battery can be as high as
40% of the batteries rated capacity at the 6 hour rate.
During the end of the day full charge, the charge rate
should taper down to the finish rate (approximately 5% of
the rated capacity) by the time the battery is 85% charged
and may be even lower when the battery is fully charged.
Short running times and/or low end-of-charge specific
gravities may indicate inadequate recharge. Consult your
local GNB representative on specific charging problems.
7. maintenance
•
keep recorDs… Showing specific gravities,
equalizing, charging, temperature, and voltages
on a monthly basis. These records are required
to maintain your warranty.
•
temperature… Under normal fast charge
operating conditions, the electrolyte
temperature
shall be between 60-140˚ F (15-60˚ C). Operating
temperature above 100˚ F will reduce the battery’s
service life. Operating temperature below 60˚ F
results in less capacity and special charging is
required.
BeFore placinG Batteries in serVice,
reView anD Follow the saFety
GuiDelines listeD in item 1. saFety.
iF Batteries are not in use, keep them
charGeD. check the speciFic GraVities
monthly anD GiVe a FresheninG charGe
(3 or 4 hours at the Finish rate) iF the
GraVities haVe Fallen 0.030 or more;
otherwise GiVe a FresheninG charGe
eVery three months.