PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-665
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 665
APRIL 2008
14
PS 665
APR 08
15
PS 665
APR 08
Placing New Batteries Into Service
The Hawker A+ battery’s state of charge (SOC) is determined by measuring its
open circuit voltage (OCV) for a “rested” battery (not charged or discharged within
the last 8 hours). Even though it is called a 12-volt battery, it
must
read 12.9 volts to
be 95% - 100% charged (SOC). At 11.4 volts (OCV), the Hawker is 0% charged.
Before You Charge
Before charging, test the Hawker
using this test equipment:
•
multimeter or voltmeter that reads in
1
/
10
th VDC increments
•
battery analyzer (such as PulseTech or
Midtronics brands) or load tester (any
brand)
But before testing or recovering any
battery, do this:
•
Check the top, sides, and bottom for
cracks, dents, leakage or swelling in the
battery case and lid.
•
Make sure terminals are not melted,
bent, or damaged.
•
Check to be sure vent caps are in place.
Do not attempt to replace missing vent
caps. Missing caps indicate a bad cell in
the battery, so the battery needs to be
replaced. If a vent cap is elevated, follow
the guidance in the TB.
Before
installing
or
replacing a battery or set of
batteries, the batteries should
be charged until the OCV
reaches at least 12.85VDC
and the amperage meter on
the charger reads less than 1
AMP for one hour. For best
results, charge overnight.
If replacing one battery in a
group of good, used batteries,
it is best to use a used battery
of the same manufacturing
cycle rather than a new one,
if possible. Or you should
replace all batteries in the
group
with
new
batteries
and
redistribute
the
used
serviceable batteries.
Battery Highlights
The Hawker A+ battery is:
•
heavy, so it requires a
two-person lift
•
recoverable and can be
recharged multiple times
from voltages as low as
0.24VDC
•
a 12VDC battery with 1,225
cold cranking amps
•
a valve-regulated lead-acid
(VRLA) battery
•
a completely sealed,
absorbed glass mat (AGM)
technology that contains only
a small amount of electrolyte
in each cell chamber
Also,
practically no maintenance beyond checking and recharging (if needed)
is required
, except for removal of dust, dirt or very rare corrosion buildup on the
exterior of the battery.
at 12.9
volts,
I’m
fully
charged!
if my caps are
missing, replace
me with another
Hawker!
at 11.4
volts, I’m
as good
as dead!
what’s the matter?!
are you alL right?
{gasp!}
you’re…
so…
heavy!
I coulda
been
charging
while you
sleep!!
ahh--I get
recharged when
I sleep.
665.14-15.indd
1-2
3/2/08
3:49:15 PM
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