Battery Basics

HOW TO MAKE BATTERY AT HOME

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LEAD ACID BATTERY-The storage battery, or secondary cell, which can be recharged by reversing the
chemical reaction, was invented in 1859 by the French physicist Gaston Planté. Planté's cell was a lead-
acid battery

The type widely used today. The lead-acid battery, which consists of three or six cells connected in
series.

Its chief advantage is that it can deliver a strong current of electricity for starting an engine; however, it
runs down quickly. The electrolyte is a dilute solution of sulfuric acid, the negative electrode consists of
lead, and the positive electrode of lead dioxide.

In operation, the negative lead electrode dissociates into free electrons and positive lead ions. The
electrons travel through the external electric circuit, and the positive lead ions combine with the sulfate
ions in the electrolyte to form lead sulfate. When the electrons reenter the cell at the positive lead-
dioxide electrode, another chemical reaction occurs.

The lead dioxide combines with the hydrogen ions in the electrolyte and with the returning electrons to
form water, releasing lead ions in the electrolyte to form additional lead sulfate.

A lead-acid storage cell runs down as the sulfuric acid gradually is converted into water and the
electrodes are converted into lead sulfate. When the cell is being recharged, the chemical reactions
described above are reversed until the chemicals have been restored to their original condition. A
lead-acid battery has a useful life of about four years. It produces about 2 V per cell. Recently, lead
batteries with useful lives of 50 to 70 years have been developed for special applications

How Do Lead Acid Batteries Work?

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Lead Acid batteries have changed little since the 1880's although improvements in materials and
manufacturing methods continue to bring improvements in energy density, life and reliability. All lead acid
batteries consist of flat lead plates immersed in a pool of electrolyte. Regular water addition is required for
most types of lead acid batteries although low-maintenance types come with excess electrolyte calculated to
compensate for water loss during a normal lifetime.
Battery Construction
Lead acid batteries used in the RV and Marine Industries usually consist of two 6-volt batteries in series, or a
single 12-volt battery. These batteries are constructed of several single cells connected in series each cell
produces approximately 2.1 volts. A six-volt battery has three single cells, which when fully charged produce
an output voltage of 6.3 volts. A twelve-volt battery has six single cells in series producing a fully charged
output voltage of 12.6 volts.
A battery cell consists of two lead plates a positive plate covered with a paste of lead dioxide and a negative
made of sponge lead, with an insulating material (separator) in between. The plates are enclosed in a plastic
battery case and then submersed in an electrolyte consisting of water and sulfuric acid (see figure # 1). Each
cell is capable of storing 2.1 volts.
Chemical Reaction for Discharging
When the battery is discharged, it acts as a galvanic cell and the following chemical
reaction occurs.
Negative:
Pb(s) + HSO4– + H2O(l) –> 2e– + PbSO4(s) + H3O+(aq) (oxidation )
Positive:
PbO2(s) + HSO4–(aq) + 3H3O+(aq) + 2e– –> PbSO4(s) + 5H2O(l) (reduction)
 Lead Acid Battery Discharging
Lead sulfate is formed at both electrodes. Two electrons are also transferred in the
complete reaction. The lead-acid battery is packed in a thick rubber or plastic case to
prevent leakage of the corrosive sulphuric acid.

Lead Acid Battery Charging

The sulphuric acid existing in the lead discharge battery decomposes and needs to be
replaced. Sometimes, the plates change their structure by themselves. Eventually, the
battery becomes less efficient and should be charged or changed.
 Lead Acid Battery Charging
When car batteries spend considerable durations of time in their discharged states, the
lead sulfate build-up may become extremely difficult to remove. This is the reason why
lead-acid batteries must be charged as soon as possible (to prevent the building up of
lead sulfate). Charging of the lead batteries is usually done by providing an external
current source.
A plug is inserted which is linked to the lead-acid battery and the chemical reaction
proceeds in the opposite direction. In cases where the sulphuric acid in the battery (or
some other component of the battery) has undergone decomposition, the charging
process may become inefficient. Therefore, it is advisable to check the battery
periodically.

Secondary cell ( Lead storage battery , Nickel-

cadmium cell )
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In order for lead acid cell to produce a voltage, it must first receive a (forming)
charge voltage of at least 2.1-volts/cell from a charger. Lead acid batteries do not
generate voltage on their own; they only store a charge from another source. This
is the reason lead acid batteries are called storage batteries, because they only
store a charge. The size of the battery plates and amount of electrolyte
determines the amount of charge lead acid batteries can store. The size of this
storage capacity is described as the amp hour (AH) rating of a battery. A typical
12-volt battery used in a RV or marine craft has a rating 125 AH, which means it
can supply 10 amps of current for 12.5 hours or 20-amps of current for a period of
6.25 hours. Lead acid batteries can be connected in parallel to increase the total
AH capacity.
In figure # 2 below, six single 2.1-volt cells have been connected in series to make
the typical 12-volt battery, which when fully charged will produce a total voltage
of 12.6-volts.

Lead Acid Batter Discharge Cycle

In figure # 3, above a fully charged battery is connected to a load (light bulb) and the chemical reaction
between sulfuric acid and the lead plates produces the electricity to light the bulb. This chemical reaction
also begins to coat both positive and negative plates with a substance called lead sulfate also known
as sulfation (shown as a yellow build-up on plates). This build-up of lead sulfate is normal during a
discharge cycle. As the battery continues to discharge, lead sulfate coats more and more of the plates and
battery voltage begins to decrease from fully charged state of 12.6-volts (figure # 4).

In figure # 5 the battery is now fully discharged, the plates are almost completely covered with lead sulfate
(sulfation) and voltage has dropped to 10.5-volts.
NOTE: Discharging a lead acid battery below 10.5 volts will severely damage it!

Lead sulfate (sulfation) now coats most of the battery plates. Lead sulfate is a soft material, which can
is reconverted back into lead and sulfuric acid, provided the discharged battery is immediately connected to
If a lead acid battery is not immediately recharged, the lead
a battery charger.
sulfate will begin to form hard crystals, which can not be reconverted by a
standard fixed voltage (13.6 volts) battery converter/charger.
NOTE: Always recharge your RV or Marine battery as soon as possible to prevent loss of

battery capacity due to the build-up of hard lead sulfate crystals!

Lead Acid Battery Recharge Cycle

The most important thing to understand about recharging lead acid batteries is that a converter/charger with
a single fixed output voltage will not properly recharge or maintain your battery. Proper recharging and
maintenance requires an intelligent charging system that can vary the charging voltage based on the state
of charge and use of your RV or Marine battery. Progressive Dynamics has developed intelligent charging
systems that solve battery problems and reduce battery maintenance.
The discharged battery shown in figure # 6 on the next page is connected to a
converter/charger with its output voltage set at 13.6-volts. In order to recharge a
12-volt lead acid battery with a fully charged terminal voltage of 12.6-volts, the
charger voltage must be set at a higher voltage. Most converter/chargers on the
market are set at approximately 13.6-volts. During the battery recharge
cycle lead sulfate (sulfation) begins to reconvert to lead and sulfuric acid.

During the recharging process as electricity flows through the water portion of the electrolyte
and water, (H2O) is converted into its original elements, hydrogen and oxygen. These gasses are
very flammable and the reason your RV or Marine batteries must be vented outside. Gassing
causes water loss and therefore lead acid batteries need to have water added periodically.
Sealed lead acid batteries contain most of these gasses allowing them to recombine into the
electrolyte. If the battery is overcharged pressure from these gasses will cause relief caps to
open and vent, resulting in some water loss. Most sealed batteries have extra electrolyte added
during the manufacturing process to compensate for some water loss.

The battery shown in figure # 7 above has been fully recharged using a fixed charging voltage of
13.6-volts. Notice that some lead sulfate (sulfation) still remains on the plates. This build-up will
continue after each recharging cycle and gradually the battery will begin to loose capacity to store a full
charge and eventually must be replaced. Lead sulfate build up is reduced if battery is given an Equalizing
Charge once every 10 discharge cycles or at least once a month. An Equalizing Chargeincreases charging
voltage to 14.4 volts or higher for a short period. This higher voltage causes gassing that equalizes (re-
mixes) the electrolyte solution.
Since most RV and Marine craft owners seldom remember to perform this function, Progressive
Dynamics has developed the microprocessor controlled Charge Wizard. The Charge Wizard will
automatically provide an Equalizing Charge every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes, when the
battery is fully charged and not in use. Our 2000 Series of Marine Battery Chargers have
the Charge Wizard feature built-in.

One disadvantage of recharging a lead acid battery at a fixed voltage of 13.6-volts is the
recharge time is very long. A typical 125-AH RV or Marine battery will take approximately 80
hours to recharge at 13.6 volts. Increasing the charge voltage to 14.4-volts will reduce battery
recharge time for a 125-AH battery to 3-4 hours. Once a battery reaches 90% of full charge,
thevoltage must be reduced from 14.4-volts to 13.6-volts to reduce gassing and water loss. The
optional Charge Wizardautomatically senses when a battery has a very low state of charge and
automatically selects its BOOST MODE of operation.BOOST MODE increases the voltage of a PD9100
Series converter/charger to 14.4 volts. When the battery reaches the 90% charge level, the Charge
Wizard automatically reduces the charge voltage down to 13.6 volts to complete the charge. Again, this is a
standard feature on our Marine Chargers.
Another disadvantage of recharging a lead acid battery at a fixed voltage of 13.6-volts is that
once it is fully charged, 13.6 volts will cause considerable gassing and water loss. To prevent
this from occurring the charging voltage must be reduced to 13.2-volts. The Charge Wizard will
automatically select its STORAGE MODE of operation (13.2-volts) once the battery reaches full
charge and remains unused for a period of 30 hours. This feature is standard on all of
Progressive Dynamics Marine Battery Chargers.
At a charging voltage of 13.2 volts, the converter/charger will maintain a full charge, reduce gassing and
water loss. However, this lower voltage does not provide enough gassing to prevent a battery condition
called Battery Stratification. Battery Stratification is caused by the fact that the electrolyte in the
battery is a mixture of water and acid and, like all mixtures, one component, the acid, is heavier than water.
Therefore, acid will begin to settle and concentrate at the bottom of the battery (see figure #8).

This higher concentration of acid at the bottom of the battery causes additional build-up of lead sulfate
(sulfation), which reduces battery storage capacity and battery life. In order to prevent Battery
Stratification, an Equalization Charge(increasing charging voltage to 14.4-volts) must be applied
periodically. The Charge Wizard automatically selects itsEQUALIZATION MODE (14.4 volts) every 21
hours for a period of 15 minutes. This Equalizing Charge feature is standard on our Marine chargers.
As you have learned, in order to properly charge and maintain a lead acid battery you must use an
intelligent charging system. Progressive Dynamics, Inteli-Power 9100 Series RV converters with a Charge
Wizard installed, or one of our Inteli-Power Marine Battery Chargers will provide the intelligent charging
system your battery needs for a long life, with low maintenance.

Answers to Common Questions about Batteries

Do lead acid batteries discharge when not in use?
All batteries, regardless of their chemistry, will self-discharge. The rate of self-discharge for
lead acid batteries depends on the storage or operating temperature. At a temperature of 80
degrees F. a lead acid battery will self-discharge at a rate of approximately 4% a week. A
battery with a 125-amp hour rating would self-discharge at a rate of approximately five amps
per week. Keeping this in mind if a 125 AH battery is stored for four months (16 weeks) winter
without being charged, it will loose 80 amps of its 125-amp capacity. It will also have severe
sulfation, which causes additional loss of capacity. Keep your batteries charged while not in use!
Do lead acid batteries develop a memory?
Lead acid batteries do not develop any type of memory.
Do I need to completely discharge my lead acid battery before recharging it?
No, in fact you should never discharge your lead acid battery below 80% of its rated capacity.
Discharging it below this point or 10.5 volts can damage it.
When do I need to perform an equalization charge?
Equalizing should be performed when a battery is first purchased (called a
freshening charge) and on a regular basis (every 10 discharge cycles or at least
once a month). Reduced performance can also be an indicator that an equalizing
charge is needed.
What is an equalizing charge?
An equalizing charge for a 12 volt battery requires that it be charged with a voltage of at least 14.4 volts for
a period of at least one hour once a month, or every 10 discharge cycles. An equalizing charge prevents
battery stratification and reduces sulfation, the leading cause of battery failure.
When should I add water to my batteries?
How often you use and recharge your batteries will determine the frequency of watering. Also, using
batteries in a hot climate will require more frequent watering. It is best to check your battery water level
frequently and add distilled water when needed. Never add tap water to your battery. Tap water contains
minerals that will reduce battery capacity and increase their self-discharge rate.

Warning - A brand new battery may have a low electrolyte level. Charge the battery first and

then add water if needed. Adding water to a battery before charging may result in overflow

of the electrolyte.

What is the proper electrolyte level?

Battery electrolyte levels should be just below the bottom of the vent well, about ½ - ¾ inch
above the tops of the separators. Never let the electrolyte level to drop below the top of the
plates.
Do I ever need to add acid to my battery?
Under normal operating conditions, you never need to add acid. Only distilled or deionized water should be
added to achieve the recommended electrolyte levels.
Can my batteries freeze?
If your battery is partially discharged, the electrolyte in a lead acid battery may freeze. At a 40% state of
charge, electrolyte will freeze if the temperature drops to approximately -16 degrees F. When a battery is
fully charged the electrolyte will not freeze until the temperature drops to approximately -92 degrees F.
What are the most common mistakes made by owners of lead acid batteries?

 Undercharging - Generally caused by not allowing the charger to restore the battery to full charge
after use. Continuously operating a battery in a partial state of charge, or storing the battery in the
discharged state results in the formation of lead sulfate (sulfation) on the plates. Sulfation reduces
the performance of the battery and may cause premature battery failure.
 Overcharging - Continuous-charging causes accelerated corrosion of the positive plates, excessive
water consumption and in some cases, damaging temperatures within the battery. Lead acid
batteries should be charged after each discharge of more the 50% of its rated capacity and during or
after prolonged storage of 30 days or more.
 Under-watering - In lead acid batteries water is lost during the charging process. If the electrolyte
level drops below the tops of the plates, irreparable damage may occur. Check your battery water
level frequently.
  Over-watering - Excessive watering of a battery results in additional dilution of the electrolyte,
resulting in reduced battery performance. Add water to your battery after it has been fully charged,
never when the battery is partially discharged.

Can I reduce the need to add water to my battery by lowering the charging voltage to 13 volts or
less?
Lowering the charging voltage will reduce the need to add water, but this will cause a condition known as
battery stratification. Battery stratification is caused when the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte mixture
separates from the water and begins to concentrate at the bottom of the battery.
This increased concentration of acid increases the formation of lead sulfate (sulfation). To prevent
stratification, your battery should receive a periodic equalizing charge (increasing the charging voltage to
14.4 volts or above).

Safety & Loss Prevention

Lead Acid Battery Maintenance and Safety Protocol
General:

Lead-acid batteries are physically large batteries that contain lead plates in a solution of acid to create
electricity. They are a common power source for many applications; mostly cars, boats, standby power
generators. Each year a state employee is injured during the operation and maintenance of these
batteries. Nationally, 2300 people are injured each year using lead acid batteries. Acid burns to the face
and eyes comprise about 50% of these injuries as these batteries can easily explode. The remaining
injuries were mostly due to lifting or dropping batteries as they are quite heavy.

Lead-Acid battery Basics:

 The electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid (35%) and water (65%). This solution can cause
chemical burns to the skin and especially to the eyes.
 During normal operation, water is lost from a non-sealed (or flooded) battery due to evaporation.
 During charging, lead acid batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases (highly
flammable/explosive) as electrolysis occurs.
 Many lead acid explosions are believed to occur when electrolytes are below the plates in the
battery and thus, allowing space for hydrogen/oxygen to accumulate. When the battery is
engaged, it may create a spark that ignites the accumulated gases and causes the battery to
explode.

Standard Precautions:
 Always store or recharge batteries in a well ventilated area
away from sparks or open flames
 Damaged lead acid batteries shall be kept in properly
labeled acid-resistant secondary containment structures.
 Use only chargers that are designed for the battery being
charged.
 Always keep lead acid battery vent caps securely in place.
  Do not store acid in hot locations or in direct sunlight.
 Pour concentrated acid SLOWLY into water; do not add
water into acid.
 Use nonmetallic containers and funnels.
 If acid gets into your eyes, flush immediately with water for
15 minutes, and then promptly seek medical attention.
 If acid gets on your skin, rinse the affected area immediately
with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention if the
chemical burns appears to be a second degree or greater.
 Never over charge a lead acid battery and only replenish
fluid with distilled water.
 Emergency wash stations should be located near lead-acid
battery storage and charging areas.
 Prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in charging
areas.
 Lead-acid storage and charging areas should be posted with
"Flammable - No Smoking" signs.
 Neutralize spilled or splashed sulfuric acid solution with a
baking soda solution, and rinse the spill area with clean
water.

What to do when servicing batteries:

 Keep metal tools and jewelry away from the battery.
 Inspect for defective cables, loose connections, corroded
cable connectors or battery terminals, cracked cases or
covers, loose hold-down clamps and deformed or loosed
terminal posts.
 Replace worn or unserviceable parts.
 Check the state of charge of non-sealed and sealed
batteries with an accurate digital voltmeter while the engine
is not running, and lights and other electrically-powered
equipment are turned off. Also check the electrolyte levels
and specific gravity in each cell of non-sealed batteries.
 When checking the electrolyte liquid levels of the batteries
use a rated flashlight that is intrinsically safe. In the
event one is not available, Use a plastic/non metallic
flashlight, turn on the flash light prior to getting near the
battery when checking cell levels and turn off the flash light
when you are away from the batteries.
 Follow the battery manufacturer's recommendations about
when to recharge or replace batteries.
 Tighten cable clamp nuts with the proper size wrench. Avoid
subjecting battery terminals to excessive twisting forces.
 Use a cable puller to remove a cable clamp from the battery
terminal.
 Remove corrosion on the terminal posts, hold-down tray and
hold-down parts.
 Use a tapered brush to clean battery terminals and the cable
clamps.
 Wash and clean the battery, battery terminals, and case or
tray with water. The corrosive acid can be neutralized by
brushing on some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
solution. If the solution does not bubble, the acid is probably
neutralized. Rinse the battery with water to remove the
baking soda solution.
 To prevent shocks, never touch or come in contact with both
terminals at the same time. If baking soda solution is applied
with a cloth, remember that these solutions can conduct
electricity.
 When battery cables are removed, ensure that they are
clearly marked "positive" and "negative" so that they are
reconnected with the correct polarity.
 Use a battery carrier to lift a battery, or place hands at
opposite corners. Remember, batteries can weight 30 to 60
pounds, so practice safe lifting and carrying procedures to
prevent back injuries.
  Use a self-leveling filler that automatically fills the battery to
a predetermined level. Never fill battery cells about the level
indicator.
 Do not squeeze the syringe so hard that the water splashes
acid from the cell opening.

Required safety equipment in the battery recharging area:

 Plumbed tepid water safety shower and eyewash station.
 Personal or Portable eyewash stations may be installed in the area
immediate to the battery charging, if plumbed units can not be
installed. However, plumbed tepid water wash stations must be
installed nearby to facilitate the required flushing of the eyes and skin.
 Non-vented safety goggles
 Face shield (considered secondary safety protection)
 Acid resistant gloves (neoprene is sufficient)
 Apron (If there is a potential to spill acid)
 Steel-toe boots or foot guards if the battery is lifted

Forklift Battery Information:

 Some forklifts use nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) batteries. The personal protective equipment (PPE)
requirements will be similar to lead-acid battery handling, though you should verify the chemical
resistance of the gloves against the potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution and select
appropriately.
 Note that the electrolytes used in lead acid (sulfuric acid) and nickel iron (potassium hydroxide)
batteries are incompatible. If your facility has both types in use, take appropriate precautions to
avoid mixing the solutions.
 To protect against the danger associated with the battery's weight, the batteries should only be
removed and replaced from the forklifts using an appropriately equipped forklift or battery cart
specifically designed for transporting batteries.
 Batteries being removed should be securely placed and restrained in the cart or forklift to avoid
dropping the battery.

Prior to starting the standby generator:

1. Check the engine starting batteries to determine if the batteries are
sealed or unsealed lead acid.
2. If the batteries are unsealed lead acid, check the electrolyte level in
the battery before starting the generator.
1. If the electrolyte is low and the plates are exposed, do not start
the generator. Add distilled water to the electrolyte to specified
level in battery.
 i. Wear gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face shield and apron.
  ii. Follow the instructions for adding water.

1. Wait at least an hour to allow time for the hydrogen gas

generated in the battery to dissipate in the environment.

Trickle charging means charging a fully charged battery at a

rate equal to its self-discharge rate,
thus enabling the battery to remain at its fully charged level; this
state occurs almost exclusively when the battery is not loaded, as
trickle charging will not keep a battery charged if current is being
drawn by a load.
Difference Between A Trickle Charger
And Float Charger
The two chargers work on basically the main principle of
providing the battery with a reduced charge voltage over
long periods but they are different.

However, a floating charger has a circuitry system that

can switch the charger on and off. When the charger
detects the battery is fully charged, it will automatically
switch off and as the voltage drops, it will switch on and
top up the battery.

Safety Precautions
When maintaining a lead-acid battery, it is important to take safety
precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some safety tips
to keep in mind:

 Wear protective gear: Always wear protective gloves,

goggles, and clothing when working with lead-acid
batteries. This will protect you from acid spills, splashes,
and other hazards.
  Ventilate the area: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid
inhaling toxic fumes that may be released during the
charging process. If possible, work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated garage.
 Avoid sparks and flames: Keep all sources of ignition,
such as cigarettes and matches, away from the battery.
Sparks and flames can ignite the hydrogen gas that is
produced during charging, which can cause an explosion.
 Use the right tools: When working with lead-acid
batteries, use the right tools for the job. Avoid using metal
tools that can create sparks or short-circuit the battery.
 Charge the battery in a safe location: Charge the
battery in a location that is free from flammable materials
and away from sources of heat or sparks. Use a charger that
is designed for lead-acid batteries and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
 Handle the battery with care: Always handle the battery
with care and avoid dropping it or tipping it over. Dropping
the battery can cause it to leak acid, which can cause burns
and other injuries.

Regular Inspection
As a responsible owner of a lead-acid battery, I make sure to inspect it
regularly to ensure that it is functioning optimally. Here are the three
sub-sections of my regular inspection routine:

Checking Battery Voltage

To check the battery voltage, I use a voltmeter. I make sure that the
battery is fully charged, then let it rest for at least four hours before
testing it. If the voltage reading is below 12.4 volts, it means that the
battery is not fully charged. If the voltage reading is below 12 volts, it
means that the battery is discharged and needs to be recharged.

Inspecting Battery Terminals

I also check the battery terminals regularly to ensure that they are
clean and free of corrosion. I use a wire brush to remove any corrosion
that I find. If the corrosion is severe, I use a mixture of baking soda and
water to clean the terminals. After cleaning, I apply a thin layer of
petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent further corrosion.

Cleaning Procedures
Cleaning Battery Surface
Maintaining a clean battery surface is crucial for the longevity of your
lead-acid battery. Dirt and grime can cause the battery to discharge
across the grime on top of the battery casing. To clean the surface of
the battery, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery from the vehicle or equipment.

2. Mix a solution of baking soda and water.
3. Apply the solution to the surface of the battery, using a soft-
bristled brush.
4. Rinse the battery with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Battery Terminals
Dirty or corroded battery terminals can cause starting problems and
reduce the life of your battery. To clean the battery terminals, follow
these steps:

1. Remove the battery cables from the terminals.

2. Mix a solution of baking soda and water.
3. Apply the solution to the terminals and cable ends, using a
wire brush or a battery terminal cleaner tool.
4. Rinse the terminals and cable ends with water and dry them
with a clean cloth.
5. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or dielectric grease
to the terminals and cable ends to prevent corrosion.
It is important to wear gloves and eye protection when working with
lead-acid batteries. Also, make sure not to get any baking soda
solution or water inside the battery cells.

Charging Methods
When it comes to charging a lead-acid battery, there are two main
methods: trickle charging and float charging. Each method has its own
benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand which one is
best for your battery.

Trickle Charging
Trickle charging is a slow and steady charging method that is best for
batteries that are used infrequently or are in storage. This method
involves charging the battery at a low rate, typically around 1-2 amps,
until it reaches full capacity.

Once the battery is fully charged, the charger will switch to a

maintenance mode that keeps the battery at a constant voltage,
preventing it from overcharging.

Trickle charging is beneficial because it helps to keep the battery fully

charged and ready for use, without damaging the battery or causing it
to overheat. However, it can take a long time to fully charge a battery
using this method, so it may not be the best option for batteries that
need to be charged quickly.

Float Charging
Float charging is a method that is best for batteries that are used
regularly and need to be charged quickly. This method involves
charging the battery at a higher rate, typically around 10-20 amps,
until it reaches full capacity.

Once the battery is fully charged, the charger will switch to a

maintenance mode that keeps the battery at a constant voltage,
preventing it from overcharging.

Float charging is beneficial because it can charge a battery quickly,

allowing it to be used again in a short amount of time. However, it can
also cause the battery to overheat if it is not monitored closely, which
can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.
Specific Gravity Test of Battery

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NICKEL CADMIUM CELL

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