Battery Specific Gravity, Measuring In All Cells

Lead-Acid Battery without Visual Indicator

Lead acid batteries with removable battery cell sealing caps, without charge indicator "Magic Eye" and filled with fluid electrolyte (wet battery) require regular maintenance. The removable sealing caps allow for topping off with distilled water.

CAUTION!
Risk of injury from direct exposure to battery acid!

• Prior to handling or servicing batteries, read, understand and observe the Warnings and Safety Measures => [ There is a risk of injury from the battery
acid. ] Battery.

Risk of explosion due to the explosive gas that forms during battery charging.

• Observe warning notes and safety precautions => [ Risk of explosion due to the explosive gas
that forms during battery charging. ] Battery.

Battery Specific Gravity, Measuring in All Cells

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Refractometer (T10007) or

• Commercially available hydrometer

Prerequisites

• The temperature of the battery acid must be at least +10 °C.

Procedure

In conjunction with battery test => [ Battery, Testing with Midtronics Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer MCR340A ] Battery Testing, the specific gravity measurement gives information about the condition of the battery.

CAUTION!
Risk of injury from direct exposure to battery acid.

• Follow accident prevention regulations when working with battery acid => [ There is a risk of injury from the battery
acid. ] Battery.

• Wear protective eyewear and clothing => [ Protect against injury by using protective
eyewear and clothing. ] Battery.

• Specific gravity of electrolyte can be checked immediately after charging battery.

- Remove all battery cell sealing plugs.

- Dip hydrometer into battery cell and siphon off enough electrolyte until float floats freely in electrolyte.





• The higher the specified weight of the siphoned battery acid, the higher the float will float.

• The acid density of the electrolyte can be read off in kg/dm 3 on the hydrometer scale (specified density of the battery acid).

- Compare hydrometer reading to values given in table.





Specified acid density must be at least 1.24 kg/dm3 in moderate climate zones. If the acid density in all battery cells is too low:

- Charge battery and repeat acid density test.









- If the specified values are not reached, replace battery.

• The measured values for the specific gravity of the individual battery cells must not deviate by more than 0.03 kg/dm3, otherwise the battery should be replaced.

CAUTION!
Risk due to leaking battery acid.

• To ensure the various battery connection systems are free of leaks, the battery's original sealing plugs must be installed in the battery openings. Only replace missing or damaged sealing plugs with the same type of original plugs.

• The sealing plugs must be equipped with an O-ring.

- If the specified values are reached, reinstall battery cell sealing plugs.

• If the battery must be replaced, follow the disposal regulations => [ Personal injury and environmental risk. ] Battery.