10
Battery systems provide "last resort" power for performing communication, alarm,
control, and protective functions when other sources of power fail. Battery system
maintenance should have highest priority. Computerized, on-line battery monitoring
systems can greatly reduce maintenance required on battery systems and actually
improve battery reliability and increase battery life. Reclamation has had positive
experience with these systems, and they should be considered to supplement a
maintenance program.
control, and protective functions when other sources of power fail. Battery system
maintenance should have highest priority. Computerized, on-line battery monitoring
systems can greatly reduce maintenance required on battery systems and actually
improve battery reliability and increase battery life. Reclamation has had positive
experience with these systems, and they should be considered to supplement a
maintenance program.
Battery chargers, important to the health and readiness of battery systems, require
regular maintenance as well.
regular maintenance as well.
Maintenance or Test
Recommended Interval
Reference
Visual inspection
Monthly
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Battery float voltage
Shift, monthly, annually
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Pilot cell float voltage
Monthly, quarterly
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Specific gravity
Monthly, quarterly (pilot cell),
annually (all cells)
annually (all cells)
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Temperature
Monthly (pilot cell),
quarterly (10 percent of all cells)
quarterly (10 percent of all cells)
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Connection resistance
Annually
FIST Volume 3-6, Table 1
Capacity testing
5-year, annually if capacity less
than 90 percent
than 90 percent
FIST Volume 3-6
IEEE 450-1995
IEEE 450-1995
Safety equipment inspection
Monthly
FIST Volume 3-6
IEEE 450-1995
IEEE 450-1995
Infrared scan
Annually
NFPA 70B 18-17