TM 5-3820-236-24-4
BATTERY
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Always store batteries in an upright position. Never allow
batteries to be laid on their sides as electrolyte may
escape through the vent holes.
Never stack batteries on top of one another. Simple
battery storage racks can be made from loose, flat boards
supported by the batteries themselves, as shown in
Figure 15.
Figure 15 Battery Storage Rack
Batteries will slowly discharge while standing and will
discharge much faster when warm than when cold. On
wet type
conventional
batteries,
self-discharge
can
amount to about an average of .001 specific gravity per
day over a 30 day period. To minimize self-discharge,
store batteries In as cool a place as possible, away from
heat ducts in winter and shielded from direct sunlight in
summer.
Ideal storage conditions would be in a clean dry area
where temperature would be stable and as cool as
possible between 0OC (320F) and 26°C (80°F). Storage
in ambient temperatures above 260C (800F) is not
recommended as this increases the rate of self-discharge.
Temperatures below 0OC (32°F) should be avoided to
prevent freezing should a battery become discharged.
Wet batteries in storage should be checked for state of
charge every 30 days and charged whenever they fall to
1.225 specific gravity. A charge rate of one ampere for
each positive plate In one cell should be used to recharge
the battery.
NOTE - Batteries of vehicles standing In storage
should
be
considered
as
batteries
In
storage.
Vehicles In Inventory should be maintained regularly
to keep their batteries clean and dry, properly filled
with water and, most Important, fully charged.
Because of their chemical composition, maintenance free
batteries self-discharge at a slower rate than conventional
batteries. When stored as recommended, a shelf life of
up to twelve months or more, depending upon storage
temperatures, is possible before charging is required.
Maintain proper battery stock rotation. The first batteries
placed in storage should be the first ones taken out. (Be
sure to check date codes on the batteries and the
cartons.)
If a battery has been in storage for some time, it should
be charged before being installed in a vehicle.
ACTIVATING DRY CHARGED BATTERIES
Dry
charged
batteries
provided
for
replacement
installation must be "activated" before they can be used.
Following the instructions outlined below will assure
proper
activation
regardless
of
temperature
and
conditions of storage.
NOTE - Always refer to and follow manufacturer’s
activation Instructions furnished with battery.
1.
Fill each cell of the battery to the top of the
separators with the correct battery-grade electrolyte
as specified by the manufacturer's instructions.
Using higher or lower specific gravity electrolyte than
recommended can impair battery performance.
Originally filling each cell to the top of the separators
permits expansion of the electrolyte as battery is
boost charged.
2.
Gently rock battery. This will help to force out
trapped air and to saturate the plates with electrolyte.
3.
Boost charge 12-volt batteries at 15 amps (6-volt and
12-volt heavy duty batteries at 30 amps) until the
specific gravity of the electrolyte is 1.250 or higher
and electrolyte temperature is at least 15.5°C (60°F).
BOTH CONDITIONS MUST BE MET. If electrolyte
bubbles violently while charging, reduce charging rate
until excessive bubbling action subsides, then
continue charging until 1.250 specific gravity and
15.50C (600F) are reached.
If the ambient temperature is 0°C (320F) or less, it is
imperative that the above instructions be followed.
4.
Check volume of electrolyte in all cells and adjust to
prescribed level with additional electrolyte as
required.
5.
Install battery in vehicle as instructed under
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION. Be sure of proper
polarity.
Dry charged batteries may be placed in service
immediately after activation. However, to insure good
performance these additional steps are recommended .
CTS-4111B - Page 16
