TB 9-6140-252-13
SINGLE BATTERY CHARGING PROCEDURES
INITIAL SETUP:
References
Equipment Condition
Pre-charging procedures completed. (WP 0005)
GENERAL
This task is intended for use by military battery shops or units with chargers that will handle only one battery
at a time.
SERVICE
1.
Connect charger to the battery posts. Clamp wiring and contacts must be tight and clean with minimal corrosion
to assure good connections.
2.
If possible, use a constant voltage charger of newer technology, which may have multiple charge settings and
steps (such as Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) setting, if charger has this switch setting select this switch position).
If voltage is adjustable the voltage should be set between 14.4 volts and 15.0 volts and there should be at least
10 amps of current available for charging.
3.
Before applying power to charger, select the charger setting to AGM. If the charger has adjustable voltage
settings, adjust the voltage to 14.4 volts to 15.0 VDC.
NOTE
Do not use values listed in Step 4 for the vehicle's voltage regulator setting. Consult the
appropriate Technical Manual (TM).
4.
If battery charger has no adjustments or switches (and is not a SMART Charger and output voltage is
> 15.0 VDC) the battery should be closely monitored (every 15 minutes) during the first two hours of charge
process. If it shows signs of excessive heat when touching the exterior, gassing, leaking or swelling during
charge stage, charging should be stopped immediately. If charger is an older model and user is unsure as to
the output voltage of the charger, see (WP 0004) for testing procedure.
CAUTION
If using a "Constant Current Charger," use formula of: 120 divided by output Amperage =
allowable hours of charge Time (120/amps=Time). Do not charge a battery longer than
formula value (example: 20 hours if charger has a 6 amp constant amperage output). This
type charger is NOT recommended for use on Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries,
especially for supplemental charging to ensure a complete charge. Use of this charger may
result in equipment damage.
5.
Charge batteries for 12 hours or longer (see Step 7 below). Weekend charging of 64 hours (Friday 1600 to
Monday 0800) can be performed, but be sure to check the system at least once per day to assure proper
operation (no excessive gassing or leaking, proper voltage applied) and to determine whether charge has been
completed. Severely depleted batteries (OCV < 10 VDC) can take up to four days to recharge. If Open Circuit
Voltage (OCV) is not significantly improved (> 10 VDC) after four days it may never take a full charge.
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