Generac Power Systems 16 kW NG, 10 kW LP manual Test Battery Condition, Typical Battery Load Tester

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Part 4

Section 4.4

Diagnostic tests

B. Perform a load test on the Battery: (Maintenance Free Battery)

1.Using a lead acid battery load tester test the load capability of the battery.

2.Follow the load tester’s manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

b.An average reading of 1.230 means the battery is 75% charged.

c.An average reading of 1.200 means the battery is 50% charged.

d.An average reading of 1.170 indicates the bat- tery is 25% charged.

USE A TEMPERATURE

COMPENSATED

HYDROMETER

CHECK EACH CELL

AFTER CHARGING

Figure 3. A Typical Battery Load Tester Figure 4. Using a Battery Hydrometer

C. T e s t B a t t e r y S t a t e o f C h a r g e : (Non-Maintenance Free Battery)

1.Use an automotive type battery hydrometer to test battery state of charge.

2.Follow the hydrometer manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Read the specific gravity of the electrolyte fluid in all battery cells.

3.If cells are low, distilled water can be added to refill cell compartment.

4.If the hydrometer does not have a “percentage of charge” scale, compare the reading obtained to the following:

a.An average reading of 1.260 indicates the battery is 100% charged.

5.Test Battery Condition:

a.If the difference between the highest and lowest reading cells is greater than 0.050 (50 points), battery condition has deteriorated and the bat- tery should be replaced.

b.However, if the highest reading cell has a specific gravity of less than 1.230, the test for condition is questionable. Recharge the battery to a 100 percent state of charge, and then repeat the test for condition.

RESULTS:

1.Remove the battery and recharge with an automotive battery charger, if necessary.

2.If battery condition is bad, replace with a new battery.

LIQUID LEVEL

1220

1230

1240

1250

1260

1270

Cell # Specific Gravity

11.255

21.260 HIGH READING

31.235

35 POINTS DIFFERENCE

41.250

51.240 LOW READING

61.225

	32
	28
	24
	20
	16
	12
	8
80°	4
		0
26.6°
	4
	8
	12
	16
	20
	24
	28
	32

Figure 5. Reading a Battery Hydrometer

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