Electrolyte Density, Checking In All Cells

Electrolyte Density, Checking In All Cells

Special Tools and Equipment







- Commercially available hydrometer


WARNING!
Strictly observe safety precautions when handling battery acid. Appropriate safety clothing must be worn.

When disposing of batteries, disposal regulations for batteries and for sulfuric acid must always be observed.


NOTE:
- The electrolyte density test, in combination with the battery load test, provides information about the condition of the battery.
- The temperature of the battery acid must be at least 10 °C.
- The electrolyte density can be checked directly after the battery is charged.


Test sequence
- Unscrew all battery caps (battery cell plugs).







- Dip the hydrometer into the battery cell, and draw electrolyte up into it until its floater floats freely in the electrolyte.
- The larger the specified weight of the syphoned battery acid, the higher the floater will float
- The specified gravity of the electrolyte can be read off in kg/dm on the hydrometer scale3 (specified gravity of the battery acid)
- Read off measured value at hydrometer and compare to indicated values in the table:

Charge condition in Electrolyte density in kg/cubic dm
normal climates
discharged 1.12
half-charged 1.20
good charge 1.28

Charge condition in Electrolyte density in kg/cubic dm
tropical climates
discharged 1.08
half-charged 1.16
good charge 1.23

Specified gravity of electrolyte must be at least 1.24 kg/cubic dm in normal climate zones.

- If the specified gravity in all battery cells is too low, charge battery.
- Repeat specified gravity test after charging battery.
- If the specified values are not reached, replace battery.


NOTE: The measured values for the acid density for individual battery cells may not deviate more than 0.03 kg/cubic dm from each other, otherwise replace battery.







- If the specified values are reached, sealing plug must be threaded in again.


WARNING!
To ensure proper sealing of the different battery plug systems, it is necessary that the original battery plugs are threaded into the battery openings. In case of loss or damage, only original sealing plugs of the same type may be used.

The plugs must be equipped with an O-ring seal.