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Overcharging
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Effect
:
Overcharging corrodes positive plate grids,
so that they weaken and may cause the plates to
disintegrate. Positive plates are frequently warped.
Decomposes electrolyte into Hydrogen and Oxygen
gas and the excessive loss of water makes the
electrolyte get concentrated to an extent that
is damaging to plates and separators.
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Creates
high temperatures in the battery, which accelerate
positive plate corrosion and may damage separators,
plastic separator guards and distort the container.
Severe gassing may blow away active material from
the plate surface causing loss in capacity and
also give rise to a fine acid spray escaping from
the battery.
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Action
to be Taken:Correct
fan belt tension Correct voltage setting
of the alternator
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Impure
topping up of water and neglect of topping up
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Effect
: Impure
water or electrolyte introduces impurities into
the battery, which accumulate with each such topping
up. The most common impurities are iron and
chlorine, which attack plates and shorten the
overall life. Chlorine also attacks and bleaches
the separators. Neglecting to top up the water
leads to an increase in the concentration of acid
in the electrolyte and consequently damages the
plates. The plate areas above the electrolyte
level get hard and lose capacity.
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Action
to be Taken
:
Always top up with pure distilled water when
the electrolyte level is low.
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Undercharging
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Effect
:
Persistent undercharging results in the sulphation
of plates and a running down of cells. This
also causes lead sulphate deposits on separators,
which lead through and create short circuits
between positive and negative plates. Undercharging
may also lead to the buckling of plates.
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Action
to be Taken
:
Correct fan belt tension Correct voltage setting
of the alternator
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Leaving
Batteries Idle
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Effect
:
This causes the battery to run down due to self
discharge. The lead sulphate crystals formed as
a result of self discharge grow as the battery
stands idle, and are not easily converted back
on recharge. The sulphation, in other words, tend
to become permanent thus affecting battery capacity
and lowering battery life.
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Action
to be Taken
: Ensure
that batteries lying idle are given a freshening
charge.
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Container
Damage
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Causes
:
Thermal
deformation due to overcharge Deformation
due to excessive tightening Damage by external
forces and impacts Damage by internal pressure
or flashed explosion
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Effect:
This
may physically damage the plates and separators
in cells or cause leakage of electrolyte so that
the battery becomes unserviceable.
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Action
to be Taken :
Handle
your battery with care
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Daily
Inspections
|
- Checking
of electrolyte level.
-
Maintain electrolyte level between the upper and lower
level lines.
-
If the electrolyte gets low, fill pure water up to
the upper level.
-
Never fill water over the upper level line.
-
Inspection of loosening and corrosion of terminals
-
If the terminals are corroded, remove rust with a
wire brush and apply rust proof grease.
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Cleaning.
-
A dirty battery causes leakage of electricity.
-
Wet cloth should be used in cleaning. If dry one is
used, there is danger of explosion due to electrostatic
spark.
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