Inspection

There are many tools that may help in properly caring for and maintaining batteries. Below is a list of basic items that are recommends for this task: Recommended Equipment:

  • Insulated tools sized to match nuts, bolts and cables in use
  • Distilled water for flooded batteries (if not available good clean tap water is better than nothing)
  • Voltmeter
  • Hydrometer for flooded batteries
  • Carbon Pile Load Tester
  • Post cleaner and wire brush
  • Baking Soda and cleaning solutions for flooded batteries
  • Petroleum Jelly
  • Goggles, Gloves (wear polyester clothing)
  • Fire extinguisher

CAUTION: Always wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when handling batteries, electrolyte, and charging your battery.

Batteries should be carefully inspected on a regular basis in order to detect and correct potential problems before they can do harm. It is a great idea to start this routine when the batteries are first received. SEE "When installing or commissioning NEW batteries."

Examine the outside appearance of the battery

  • Look for cracks in the container
  • Check the battery, posts and connections to make sure they are clean, free of dirt, fluids and corrosion
  • Any fluids on or around the battery may be an indication that electrolyte is spilling, leaching or leaking out. Pay close attention to this if it is a flooded battery you are checking as a low electrolyte situation in the battery may cause excessive gassing and ultimately dispense fluid on or around the battery
  • All battery cables and their connections should be tight, intact, and NOT broken or frayed
  • Replace any damaged batteries
  • Replace any damaged cables
  • Re-torque all connector bolts. See manufacturer’s recommendations for torque values.

    General Initial and annual Maintenance Torque Values for Connection Hardware are shown below, See manufacturer’s recommendations for torque values.:

    Flooded:

  • Automotive SAE: 50 to 80 in.-lbs. (5.6~10NM)
  • Automotive Side terminals: 70 to 90 in.-lbs. (7.9~10.2NM)
  • Wing nut terminals: 90 to 105 in.-lbs. (10.2~12NM)
  • T stud type terminals: 120 to 180 in.lbs. (13~20NM)
  • L, LT, UT terminals: 95 to 120 in.-lbs. (11~14NM)

    VRLA:

  • X terminals (U1) terminals: 40 in.-lbs. (4.5 NM)
  • Light Duty L terminals: 40 to 50 in.-lbs. (4.5~5.6NM)
  • Standard Duty L terminals: 60 to 80 in.-lbs. (6.5~10NM)
  • Heavy Duty L terminals: 90 to 110 in.-lbs. (10.2~12.5NM)
  • Button type terminals: Can vary greatly. 25 to 110 in.-lbs.(2.8~12.4NM)  

WARNING: Do not over tighten terminals. Doing so can result in post breakage, post meltdown, and fire.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

‹ When installing or commissioning NEW batteriesupTesting ›
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