PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-627

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 627

FEBRUARY 2005

PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-627 - Page 24 of 33
Cold-Resistant Batteries
Look at your equipment’s TM and
SB 11-6 for specific information on
batteries for cold-weather operation.
Both list primary battery-using equip-
ment, battery type numbers, descrip-
tions, storage temperatures and NSNs.
SB 11-6 can now be found on the
internet. Access it at:
etms/online.htm
Search for PIN number 079041. A user
name and password are required to
access SB 11-6. This web site also con-
tains the latest on CECOM batteries
and a link to battery safety messages.
Battery Care
Keep them stored until you’re ready to move
out. Then warm up only as many spares as you’ll
need. Lithium batteries won’t need warming up
unless they’ve been in temperatures below -20°F.
Protect dry cells by keeping them out of the
cold and wind. Cover them with your clothing.
Put them in a vehicle or commo shelter when
possible. Sheltering batteries behind a wind
break is better than leaving them out in the open.
Putting them next to your body is best of all, but
only if they are still in the original package.
Otherwise, metal objects in your pockets could
create short circuits.
Never stow batteries next to a heater or stove.
That’s too much warmth for most batteries and
they could leak, vent or rupture.
Keep spare batteries handy so you can make a
switch when the ones in your gear start to fade.
When you remove batteries from your gear, put
them in an inside, empty shirt pocket to warm up.
After a while, they’ll regain some of their punch.
If you won’t be using your gear right away,
don’t install the batteries. Keep them warm as
long as you can.
If you warm batteries in a heated place, watch
for sweating. Wipe off any moisture or it will
freeze.
Finally, if your gear has plastic pins in the bat-
tery compartment, take care when installing the
battery. Cold pins become brittle. They’ll break if
they’re handled too roughly.
It’s a
Cold
, Cruel World for Batteries
it’s a
cruel
fact
that
winter weather
turns dry cell
batteries
(carbon, zinc, or
alkaline) cold.
That’s why
you
should know
about cold-
resistant
batteries and
cold weather
battery care.
When
temps
plunge,
batteries
need
extra
care.
what a
lousy
time
for the radio
to go on the
fritz!
it’s
not
the radio!
it’s the
batteries…
don’t
let cold
weather
put
your
batteries
on ice!
Put me
next to
your body,
please!
PS 627
FEB 05
45
I’m
f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g!
sb 11-6
is keeping
me
warm!
And cold
batteries
may
not
deliver
the
power
your commo
gear needs.
Commo…
627.44-45(C)
12/28/04
12:20 PM
Page 1
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