TM 10-6140-200-14
CHAPTER 5
STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
direct sunlight. The top of the battery should be protected
5-1. General
from dust, foreign matter and moisture. Charged and dry
batteries when removed from storage should be activated as
Guidelines are provided for those occasions when bat-
described in Paragraph 2-4a.
teries must be stored, in either a wet or dry state, and for
possible reshipment to other areas.
5-3. Shipment
5-2. Storage Methods
a. Charged and Wet Batteries. Depots or using organiza-
tions may make shipments of motive power batteries in a
a. Charged and Wet Batteries. Lead acid batteries may
be stored in a charged and wet (filled with electrolyte)
charged and wet condition if intended for use within a
condition when necessary for periods of up to several
period of 90 days. The battery service weight is usually
months. During such periods they should be stored in a
stamped into the steel tray near one of the lifting holes.
clean, cool, dry and well ventilated location away from
(See Figure 4-1). Obtain the cubage either by computing it
radiators, hot air ducts or other sources of heat, and
from battery dimensions shown on Military Standard
protected from exposure to direct sunlight. Before being
MS-15367 or from dimensions obtained by measuring the
stored, the battery should be fully charged and the
actual battery. Detailed battery information may also be
electrolyte should be brought to the proper level. Any leads
obtained from manufacturers catalog.
should be disconnected or insulated to prevent accidental
discharge. The top of the battery must be protected from
b. Before crating a wet battery for shipment it should be
dust, foreign matter and moisture. Do not attempt to
given a freshening charge as described in Paragraph 2-10d. A
dismantle the battery.
tag should be attached to both the battery and the crate
showing the date of the last charge and the specific gravity
b. If the average storage temperature is 80 degrees F. or
of the electrolyte at the completion of the charge. Make
higher, the specific gravity of the electrolyte should be
certain that the battery is properly protected when crated.
checked at least monthly. If below 80 degrees F., check
The receiving organization should be alerted also to the
gravities at least every two months. Whenever the specific
need for a freshening charge before the battery is put into
gravity, corrected to 80 degrees F., falls to 1.240 or below,
service.
the battery should be given a freshening charge as described
c. Charged and Dry Batteries. Depots will normally
in Paragraph 2-10d. A freshening charge is also recom-
make domestic and export shipments of new batteries
mended just before returning a battery to service.
which usually will be in a charged and dry condition.
c. Charged and Dry Batteries. New batteries are often
Batteries, and the accompanying electrolyte in separate
carboys, which are intended for export shipment must be
supplied charged and dry (without electrolyte). Batteries in
packaged in accordance with approved methods.
this condition can remain in storage, unattended, for a
period of at least two years. They should be stored in a
NOTE
cool, dry place with vent caps tightly closed. Average
temperatures should not exceed 80 degrees F. Batteries
Whenever batteries are shipped by common
should not be stored near radiators, hot air ducts, or other
carrier, ICC regulations will, of course, apply.
sources of heat, and should be protected from exposure to
5-1
