SECTION 3—SAFETY INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING
Checking Battery Charge Level
The following “Do’s” and “Don’ts” are provided for your convenience and safety.
DO | DON’T |
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Read and understand this manual and any service | DO NOT perform any installation or maintenance |
information that accompanies a battery and charger | without first reading this manual. |
before operating the wheelchair. |
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Move the wheelchair to a work area before opening | DO NOT perform installation or maintenance of |
battery box or installing service batteries. | batteries in an area that could be damaged by |
| battery spills. |
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Recharge as frequently as possible to maintain a high | DO NOT make it a habit to discharge batteries to the |
charge level and extend battery life. | lowest level. |
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Follow recommendations in this manual when select- | DO NOT use randomly chosen batteries or chargers. |
ing a battery or charger. |
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Fully charge new batteries before using. | DO NOT put new batteries into service before charging. |
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Field Load Test
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 3.1.
NOTE: The following test can also be performed through the controller of the wheelchair along with a remote programmer. Refer to the electronics manual supplied with each wheelchair.
Old batteries lose their ability to store and release power, due to increased internal resistance. This means that as you try to take power from the battery, some of that power is used up in the process of passing through the battery, resulting in less voltage at the posts. The more power drawn, the lower the voltage available. When this lost voltage drops the output 1.0 volts under load (2.0 for a pair), replace the batteries.
To spot this problem, test batteries under load.
Use a digital voltmeter to check battery charge level at the charger connector. It is located on the joystick.
NOTE: READ these instructions and the manufacturer’s instructions CAREFULLY on the digital voltmeter before using the digital voltmeter.
NOTE: Invacare recommends that ONLY a qualified technician perform this test.
1.Ensure that power is OFF.
2.Make sure battery is fully charged. An extremely discharged battery will exhibit the same symptoms as a bad one.
3.Remove the footrests from the wheelchair
4.Connect the voltmeter leads to the charger port on the wheelchair as shown in FIGURE 3.1. Most digital voltmeters are not affected by polarity, however, analog meters (meters with swinging needles) can be and should be used carefully. A good meter reading should be 25.5 to 26 VDC.
Part No. 1125078 | 27 | At’m and At’m QT |