Current Draw Test

Current Draw Test

CAUTION!
Batteries that have a colorless or light yellow visual indicator must not be tested or charged. Jump starting must not be used!

There is a risk of explosion during testing, charging or jump starting.

These batteries must be replaced.

• Make sure the correct charging mode is set on the charger so the current draw test is not inaccurate.

• VAS 5095 A, refer to --> [ Battery, Charging ] Battery Charger VAS 5095A

• VAS 5900, refer to--> [ Battery Charger 5900 ] Battery Charger 5900

• VAS 5903, refer to --> [ Battery Charger 5900 ] Battery Charger 5900

In order to receive an indication as quickly as possible of the battery condition of discharged batteries, a conclusion can be made during the charging process using the current draw as to whether the battery should be replaced or charged completely.

The current draw test should always be performed if the test using the Battery Tester With Printer (VAS 5097A) had the following results:

1 Starting power sufficient
2 Starting power insufficient
3 Starting power very insufficient
4 cannot be tested - charge battery and retest
and in cases in which the unit does not switch on (no LED, no print-out)

Depending on the results of the test, using the Battery Tester with Printer (VAS 5097A), additional test steps or activities for a clear evaluation of the battery condition must be made. Refer to --> [ Battery Tester with Printer VAS 5097 A ] Battery Tester with Printer VAS 5097 A.

By checking a battery's current draw capacity during the charging procedure, it can be determined in a short time whether a partially discharged or severely discharged battery can become operable again by further charging. Refer to --> [ Severely Discharged Batteries ] Severely Discharged Batteries

Test Prerequisites

• The battery temperature must be at least ≥ +10°C when charging.

• The charger must be able to deliver at least 30 A charging current, e.g. as on the VAS 5095A, VAS 5900, VAS 5903.

• When charging using the Battery Charger (VAS 5095A), the battery current draw must be measured with a current probe, e.g. VAS 5051B/6. The Battery Charger (VAS 5900) and Battery Charger (VAS 5903) indicate the current draw on the device.

- Connect the battery to the battery charger and start the charging process.

- Measure the battery charge current after five minutes.

Test result:

The charge current must be above 10% of the nominal capacity five minutes after charging begins.

As an example:

With a 60 Ah battery, the charge current must be greater than 6A 5 minutes after charging begins.

• On the Eos with two 6V AGM batteries, the charge current must only be greater than 5% of the battery nominal capacity in Ampere. As an example for the Eos: the 50 Ah battery must have a charge current greater than 2.5A after charging for five minutes.

- Charge the battery completely when the charge current is greater than 10% of the nominal capacity (note exception for Eos in the note above).

- After resting the battery for two hours, perform a battery load test. Refer to --> [ Battery Tester with Printer VAS 5097 A ] Battery Load Test.

If the charge current is less than 10% of the nominal capacity in Ampere (5% for the 2 6V batteries in the Eos) five minutes after charging begins, (e.e. < 6A for a 60 Ah battery), replace the battery. In warranty and Goodwill cases, fill out the battery test sheet and keep it with the battery.