TM 10-6140-200-14
a. Charged and Dry Batteries. Charged and dry bat-
NOTE
teries are shipped with plates which have been charged
The temperature of the filling electrolyte
and dried, dry separators and without electrolyte in the
must not exceed 90 degrees F.
cells. The vent openings of all cells are sealed and must
remain so until the battery is being prepared for service.
Charged and dry batteries must be properly activated.
Prepare these batteries for use as follows:
(3) Clean the cell tops if any electrolyte was spilled.
Neutralize with soda solution (one pound of baking soda
(1) Remove all vent caps and destroy the sealing
to one gallon of water), rinse with water and dry
device, red tape or other material used to seal the vent
thoroughly.
cap holes. Make certain that all vent openings will permit
free passage of gas.
(4) Give the battery a freshening charge (see Para-
graph 2-10d). Be sure to continue the charge until the
(2) Fill each cell to the proper level with electrolyte
specific gravity remains constant for three consecutive
conforming to Federal Specification O-S-801 (Battery
hourly readings.
Electrolyte Grade) and having a specific gravity 15 points
(.015) lower than the designated fully charged specific
(5) Recheck electrolyte levels after gassing of elec-
gravity unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
trolyte has stopped and take and record specific gravity
For example, if the fully charged specific gravity is to be
reading, electrolyte temperature and open circuit voltage
1.285 the filling acid should be 1.270. See Table 2-1 for
of each cell. If irregularities in specific gravity readings
Proportions of Sulfuric Acid and Water. Allow the cells to
stand for at least several hours after filling, then adjust
Adjust electrolyte levels so they are 1/8" to 1/4" below
electrolyte levels so they are 1/4" to 3/8" below the
vent well skirt.
bottom of the vent well or skirt. Replace the vent caps.
(6) Each battery manufacturer's instructions will
provide additional detail. Follow these instructions to
assure compliance with any special requirements.
Sulfuric Acid of 1.400
Specific
Specific Gravity
Gravity
b. Charged and Wet Batteries. Charged and wet bat-
Desired
Parts Water
Parts Acid
teries are shipped with cells filled and fully charged.
Required
Required
Prepare these batteries for use as follows:
1
1.375
.075
(1) Examine battery to see if electrolyte has been
1.365
1
.11
accidentally spilled. If so, clean and neutralize any spillage
1
1.355
.14
with a cloth which has been dipped in a soda solution.
1
1.350
.16
Rinse with clear water and dry battery thoroughly.
1
.20
1.340
1
1.330
.24
1
1.325
.27
(2) Remove vent caps and check the electrolyte level
1
1.315
.31
in each cell. Take and record the specific gravity reading,
1
.33
1.310
electrolyte temperature and individual open circuit voltage
.38
1.300
1
of each cell. Note any irregularities.
1
.43
1.290
1
1.285
.46
(3) Check to make sure that all cells are properly
1
.49
1.280
connected and that terminal connections are tight. If
1
1.275
.53
there are irregularities in the electrolyte levels or specific
1
1.270
.56
gravity readings or if the battery has been in storage for
1
1.260
.63
more than 30 days, it should be given a freshening charge
1
1.255
.67
1
1.250
.70
1
1.245
.74
1
1.240
.78
(4) Recheck electrolyte levels after charging and
1
1.230
.85
after gassing has stopped. Again take and record specific
1
1.225
.905
gravity readings and electrolyte temperatures. After the
1
.96
1.220
battery has been standing for at least one hour, also take
1
1.215
1.00
and record the open circuit voltage of each cell. If
1
1.05
1.210
irregularities in electrolyte specific gravity readings still
1
1.11
1.205
exist, they should be adjusted as described in Paragraph
1
1.16
1.200
3-12.
2-2