Xantrex Technology XM 1800, XM 1000 manual Battery Tips

Battery Tips

Battery Tips

WARNING

Review “Precautions When Working With Batteries” on page vii before you work with the batteries in your system.

Explosive/

Corrosive

Gases

Lead-acid batteries may emit hydrogen gases, oxygen, and sulfuric acid fumes when recharging. To reduce the risk of explosion:

•Vent the battery compartment to prevent the accumulation of gases.

•Do not install electronic or electrical equipment in the battery compartment.

	• Do not smoke or use an open flame when working around batteries.
Temperature	The capacity of lead-acid batteries is temperature sensitive. Battery
Sensitivity	capacity is rated at 77 ºF (25 ºC). At 0 ºF (–20 ºC), the Ah capacity is
	about half the rated capacity. You should consider temperature when
	designing your system.
	• Low Temperatures If extremely low temperatures are expected
	where the inverter is going to be located, you should consider a
	heated equipment room. If the system is located in an unheated space,
	an insulated battery enclosure is recommended.
	• High Temperatures The batteries should also be protected from high
	temperatures. These can be caused by high ambient temperatures,
	solar heating of the battery enclosure, or heat released by a nearby
	engine or generator. High battery temperatures shorten battery life
	and therefore you should ventilate the enclosure and use shade and
	insulation as appropriate.
Discharged	Do not leave batteries in a discharged state for more than a day or two.
Batteries	They will undergo a chemical process (sulfation) that can permanently
	damage the battery. As well, batteries self-discharge over a period of three
	to six months, and they should be recharged periodically even if they are
	not being used.
Electrolyte	If your batteries are not the “maintenance-free” type, check the electrolyte
Level	level at least once a month. Excessive fluid loss is a sign of overcharging.
	Replenish the electrolyte using only distilled water.

975-0263-01-01 B–7