12
Rev.12/31/97
1.11
1.11 BATTERY TROUBLES SUMMARIZED
BATTERY TROUBLES SUMMARIZED
A. Lack of Gassing
A. Lack of Gassing
Lack of gassing while on charge may indicate an internal short between
plates, i.e., the cell discharges internally as fast as it is being charged.
plates, i.e., the cell discharges internally as fast as it is being charged.
B.
B. Specific Gravity or Voltage
Specific Gravity or Voltage
Specific gravity or voltage of a cell lower than other cells is an indication of
excessive internal losses and may result from consistent undercharging.
excessive internal losses and may result from consistent undercharging.
C.
C. Color
Color
Color or appearance of plates or sediment different from other cells is
addressed below:
addressed below:
1. Patches of white lead sulfate on either the positive or negative plates:
caused by standing idle or undercharging for extended periods.
2. Antimony deposit dark-slate patches on negative plates (usually near the
terminal): caused by charging at too high a rate or an aged cell nearing
the end of its service life.
the end of its service life.
3. Top layer of sediment white: caused by undercharging.
4. Lumpy brown sediment: caused by overcharging.
5. All white sediment no visible layers: caused by overcharging after
prolonged low float voltage.
6. Large flaking on the interplate collector bar: caused by being on float
charge for extended periods at insufficient float voltage without
equalizing charging being performed.
equalizing charging being performed.
D. Plate Problems
D. Plate Problems
If any checks below are excessive, capacity tests must be run to determine if
individual cells or the entire battery should be replaced. See section 3.
individual cells or the entire battery should be replaced. See section 3.
1. Cracks on the edges of the positive plate grids.
2. Light-colored sulfating spots on edges of plates below cracks mentioned
in check No. 1 above.
3. Excessive sediment in the bottom of the case.
4. "Mossing" or "treeing" on the tops of negative plates.