Hach 900 Appendix B Batteries and Chargers, Lead-AcidGel Cell Batteries, Maintenance, Charging

Appendix B Batteries and Chargers

Lead-Acid (Gel Cell) Batteries

Note: The use of chargers other than those provided by manufacturor for use with these batteries is not recommended and may damage the battery or shorten its life.

Lead-acid batteries are designed to prevent electrolyte leakage from the terminals or case. The electrolyte is suspended in a gel, which ensures safe, efficient operation in any position. Gel cells are classified as “Non-Spillable” and meet all requirements of the International Air Transport Association.

Maintenance

These lead-acid batteries are maintenance-free.

Charging

The lead-acid cells are designed to be fully charged in 22 to 24 hours using a lead-acid battery charger. Do not exceed 24 hours or you may damage or shorten the life of the battery. The charge rate is 500 mA dc.

Temperature

At higher temperatures, the electrical capacity that can be taken out of a battery increases. At lower temperatures, the electrical capacity that can be taken out of a battery decreases. However, excessive heat destroys batteries. Avoid placing batteries near heat sources of any kind. To maximize battery life, operated the battery at an ambient temperature of 20 °C (70 °F). The permissible operating temperature range is -15 to 50 °C, however, use in the 5 to 35 °C temperature range is recommended.

Storage

Store lead-acid batteries in a cool, dry place. Their low self-discharge rate and excellent charging characteristics permit storage for up to one year without loss of efficiency or appreciable deterioration of battery performance.

At room temperature the self-discharge rate of lead-acid batteries is approximately 3% of rated capacity per month. The self-discharge rate will vary as a function of ambient storage temperature.

Figure 1 on page 45 shows the storage self-discharge characteristics of lead- acid batteries at various ambient temperatures. Table 3 on page 46 shows recommended storage times for lead-acid batteries.

Figure 1 Battery Discharge Characteristics

Gel Cell Self Discharge Characteristics

Capacity	100%
	60%
	80%
Remaining	20%
	40%

0%	3	6	9	12	15	18
0

Storage Time (months)

0 °C

10 °C

20 °C

30 °C

40 °C

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8544apdx_batteries.fm	Batteries and Chargers