TM 9-6140-200-14
3-9. Water for Use in Batteries.
NOTE
Do not add distilled water to GEL type batteries
Use distilled water ( Item 6, Appx. C) in lead-acid batteries. In emergencies a good
grade of drinking water (excluding mineral waters) may be used. Adding water to a
battery cell will lower the specific gravity of the electrolyte, but does not mean that the
cell has lost any charge. Watch for batteries that require excessive water. When
batteries require excessive water, this may be an indication of a charging system out of
adjustment and may also indicate that the battery has been undergoing the damaging
effects of overcharging.
3-10 Reverse Polarity in Lead-Acid Batteries.
If reverse polarity occurs in an equipment electrical system or during battery charging,
the lead plates of the battery can be damaged. Turn battery in IAW your Local SOP.
3-11 Replacing Batteries.
WARNING
Batteries can explode. Do not smoke, have open flames or make sparks
around batteries. If battery is gassing, it can explode and cause injury to
personnel.
3-15
