TM 9-6140-200-14
d. Boosting Charge of Stored Batteries. A boosting charge can be used to make
up for a loss of charge while a battery is in storage. The stored battery should
be given a boosting charge whenever the specific gravity drop is more than
0.040 corrected to temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Care shall be taken
not to give the battery an excessive charge during boosting. The boosting
charge should be applied whether the battery is to remain in storage or is to be
issued. This will normally occur about every 30 days in warm weather and may
be less frequent in cold weather. Before applying the boosting charge, the
electrolyte level should be checked. Add distilled water as necessary to bring
cells to proper liquid level.
e. Date Marking Charged Batteries. Mark the date of charged or recharged on the
batteries charged while in storage. This will help to determine batteries ready
for issue and batteries still requiring a charge. The date of the charge or
recharge can be marked in chalk on the battery casing in a manner and location
that will prevent the date from being easily erased.
4-9. Storage of Dry-Charged Batteries.
a. Advantages of Stored Dry-Charged Batteries. Unlike wet-charged batteries,
dry-charged batteries do not undergo serious deterioration, sulfating or
corrosion during storage. The dry-charged battery can lose a charge during
long storage periods due to moisture intake without harmful effects. Filling the
battery to proper electrolyte level and bringing it to a full-charged state
makes it, fully-charged battery.
b. Negative Plate Oxidation Check. The negative (-) plates of a dry charged
battery can become oxidized by the intake of moisture during storage. The
degree of oxidation to the negative (-) plates will determine the length of
charge time and the degree of charge required to bring the battery to a fully
charged state. The following steps should be used to determine if a dry-
charged battery has oxidized negative(-) plates:
(I) Obtain proper electrolyte package for use with battery.
(2) Check specific gravity and temperature of electrolyte.
(3) Fill the battery with the electrolyte and let stand for 20 minutes.
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