TM 9-4910-663-12
2. Inspect electrolyte level. If electrolyte is below the
top of the plates, add water. If not below the plates, make hydro-
meter test.
Note ampere-hour or other rating of battery.
3.
(5) Charging of Batteries.
WARNING
Hydrogen gas is given off during battery charging.
Provide adequate ventilation to remove accumulated
gases; otherwise, a spark could cause an explosion.
(a) Observe following precautions:
Charge batteries at rate specified by manufacturer.
1.
Do not charge batteries at a high rate for excessively
2.
long periods.
When using high rate of charge, be certain that battery
3.
temperature and specific gravity of electrolyte of all cells are
checked often enough to prevent thermal breakdown and electrolysis.
(b) When checking electrolyte with a hydrometer, observe the
following:
Hold the tube of hydrometer vertical.
1.
Do not suck too much electrolyte into tube.
2.
Hydrometer float must be freely suspended in electrolyte.
3.
Take readings at eye level.
4.
5.
A fully charged battery should read 1.265 to 1.290 at
80F. For higher temperatures, add four gravity points for each 10F
above 80F and for lower temperatures, subtract four gravity points
for each 10F below 80F.
(c) Position test stand controls in accordance with table 2-1.
(d) Set DC VOLTMETER OUTPUT VOLTAGE SELECT switch (S11, fig
to ON position and monitor battery charging voltage (M3, fig 2-1).
(e) Position circuit breaker switch (CB1, fig 2-5) to ON.
(f) Position CHARGE TIMER (MINUTES) control (TD1, fig 2-4) to
the desired charge time.
2-50
