ACT Meters GOLD-PLUS User manual
Operating Instructions
GOLD-PLUS
6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester
GOLD-PLUS
INTELLIGENT BATTERY TESTER
Simulates a full (20 hour) battery discharge
test in seconds
Tests 6/12V Lead Acid Batteries from 1.2Ah - 100Ah
Can be calibrated to test:
Standby SLA, Cyclic GEL & Car FLOODED batteries
Displays DC Voltage and Ampere-hour (Ah) capacity
Testing new & used 6/12V lead acid batteries
1. Connect to isolated battery terminals only
(Do not connect to high resistance steel bolts)
2. Make tight terminal connections RED+ BLACK-
3. After power up, ‘ANALYSING BATT’ is displayed
4. Set Ah calibrate to zero to test standby batteries,
+ for cyclic GEL and - for car FLOODED batteries
(see operating manual for more details)
5. Record battery voltage reading obtained
6. Press test button (1sec) to obtain Ah capacity
(Ah Ranges: 1.2 - 7.9Ah, 08 - 99Ah, Over 100Ah)
7. Record Ah capacity available in the battery
(Available Ah capacity is determined by battery
temperature and state of charge)
8. Repeat press test to verify capacity if require
9. Recharge or replace if ‘FLAT BATTERY’ or
available Ah capacity falls below 65% of battery
stated Ah capacity (see reverse)
SET
Ah CAL
REVERSE
POLARITY
PRESS
TEST
Important: To maintain Ah accuracy only use
GOLD-PLUS test leads. Part Number. ACT-GPTL
Warning: Input 15VDC MAX
Meters Ltd
www.actmeters.com
+44(0)1744 886660
GOLD PLUS 6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester
www.actmeters.com
2
WARNING: ISOLATE THE BATTERY BEFORE USE
WARNING: THE GOLD PLUS INTELLIGENT BATTERY TESTER IS
DESIGNED TO TEST 6V AND 12V SLA, GEL AND FLOODED BATTERIES
FROM 1.2AH TO 100AH. DAMAGE OR INJURY MAY RESULT IF
CONNECTED TO VOLTAGE ABOVE 15VDC. ISOLATE BATTERY
FROM CHARGE SUPPLY BEFORE TESTING. IF THE GOLD PLUS IS
USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER, THE
PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
ACT Meters Ltd
The Old Smithy
Church Road
Rainford
Merseyside
WA11 8HD
United Kingdom
www.actmeters.com
+44(0)1744 886660
REF: GOLDPLUS0I0513
Operating Instructions
www.actmeters.com 3
Contents
Set the Calibration Control
to the Battery Type Under Test ....................................................... 4
Make the Correct Connection .......................................................... 6
Test Procedure ............................................................................. 7 - 9
Flat Battery Warning ......................................................................... 9
High Voltage Warning ....................................................................... 9
Annual Calibration .......................................................................... 10
Battery Testing Advice .................................................................... 10
www.actmeters.com
4
STEP 1 Set the Calibration Control to the Battery Type
Under Test
+-
0
Ah
◀
TYPE SLA
Standby SLA (Sealed Lead Acid)
Normally permanently on charge. Used in standby
applications: alarm systems, power supplies, stair
lifts etc. To measure the Ah capacity available in
standby SLA batteries, adjust the Ah calibration
control to the ‘zero’ position as shown.
NB: This position is calibrated to typical standby SLA batteries. If
TYPE GEL
Normally charged then discharged repeatedly.
Often used in mobility scooters and golf trolleys
If it doesn’t state ‘GEL’ on the battery, it should
be tested as a standby SLA battery as shown. To
measure the Ah capacity available in cyclic GEL
technology batteries, adjust the Ah calibration
control to the ‘+’ position shown above.
+-
0
Ah
◀
NB: This position is calibrated to typical GEL technology batteries.
WARNING: ISOLATE THE BATTERY BEFORE USE
Operating Instructions
www.actmeters.com 5
Commonly used in motor vehicles and have
removable caps so that you can visually check
that the acid/water level is above the battery
plates. To measure the Ah capacity available in
car FLOODED batteries, adjust the Ah calibration
control to the ‘ - ‘ position as shown.
+-
0
Ah
◀
TYPE FLOODED
Car FLOODED (Wet Cell)
NB: This position is calibrated to typical car FLOODED (WET)
batteries. If required, Ah adjustment can be made to suit any
Calibrating to Non Standard Battery Types
Follow the procedure below:
1. Set Ah calibration to zero position
2. Connect to new fully charged battery
3. Make tight connections RED + BLACK -
4. Record battery voltage reading
5. Press test button (1sec) to obtain Ah capacity
6. Adjust Ah calibration as close as possible to match
stated Ah capacity
7. Repeat test to verify capacity if required
8. Note Ah position to test these types of batteries
GOLD PLUS 6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester
STEP 2 Make the Correct Connection
Observing polarity, connect the test lead clips exactly as described
for the types of battery terminals shown below, RED+ and BLACK-
WARNING: Maximum input voltage 15VDC
Grip clips tightly around tab
terminals
CORRECT
Insert clips fully inside
battery terminals
CORRECT
Grip tightly around posts
using spikes
CORRECT
DO NOT connect to high
resistance bolts
INCORRECT
www.actmeters.com
6
Operating Instructions
www.actmeters.com 7
STEP 3
‘POWERING UP’ followed by ‘ANALYSING BATT’ is displayed. During
analysis, a pulsed load removes any excess surface charge.
STEP 4
The message ‘SET CALIBRATE’ reminds you to check that the Ah
Calibration position is adjusted to test a standby SLA, cyclic GEL
or car FLOODED battery.
STEP 5
The message ‘TESTING VOLTS’ followed by ‘PLEASE WAIT’ indicates
that the battery tester is automatically selecting to test a 6V or
12V battery.
POWERING UP...
ANALYSING BATT.
SET CALIBRATE
TESTING VOLTS...
PLEASE WAIT...
GOLD PLUS 6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester
STEP 6
When the battery voltage appears, record it onto a label for
future reference.
STEP 7
When ready, press and hold the test button (approx 1 second) to
test the Ah capacity available in the battery.
STEP 8
Record the Ah reading obtained onto a label for future reference.
NOTE: Ah capacity is automatically displayed in three ranges:
1.2Ah - 7.9Ah, 08Ah - 99Ah, then ‘OVER 100Ah’.
12.66 VOLTS
PRESS TO TEST
TESTING AH...
7.2Ah
www.actmeters.com
8
Operating Instructions
www.actmeters.com 9
STEP 9
If required, press the test button again to verify the Ah reading
obtained. NOTE: Ah capacity available is determined by battery
temperature and state of charge.
Recharge or replace when Ah capacity available in the battery
falls below 65% of the stated battery Ah size. Check results
against the table found on the reverse side of the tester to
‘FLAT BATTERY’ indicates low battery voltage or Ah capacity.
Recharge or replace the battery and retest.
‘HIGH VOLTAGE’ indicates that the input voltage exceeds 15V.
REMOVE IMMEDIATELY
TEST COMPLETE
FLAT BATTERY
HIGH VOLTAGE
GOLD PLUS 6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester
Annual Calibration
Like most test equipment, it is important for the GOLD PLUS
Intelligent Battery Tester to be calibrated to maintain accuracy.
We recommend calibration to be carried out every 12 months to
ensure general wear and tear does not impair the accuracy of the
GOLD PLUS.
As the manufacturer of the GOLD PLUS, it is critical that our battery
testers are either sent to us or an approved calibration laboratory
for annual calibration. For more information on how to get your
GOLD PLUS calibrated, please email [email protected] or
call +44(0)1744 886660. This applies to all customers within the
UK, Europe, United States and Canada.
Battery Testing Advice
1. Don’t Buy Flat Batteries
Because SLA batteries normally self discharge at 3% per month,
it is very important to decipher the date of manufacture
code stamped into the battery. This is essential for inventory
rotation and to avoid stocking old discharged batteries. If you
cannot decipher the date code, contact your supplier or battery
manufacturer. Be aware that new batteries can take up to 6
months to ship from the manufacturer to your distributor.
www.actmeters.com
10
Operating Instructions
www.actmeters.com 11
2. Check the Voltage
To avoid potential battery failure problems, it is essential
to check the voltage level in new batteries to ensure that
before leaving the factory. Any battery with less than
12.30VDC should be returned to your supplier as suspect. A
new, out of the box battery should show above 12.60VDC.
3. Constant Voltage
In order for SLA batteries to charge up fully, it should be charged
at a constant voltage of between 13.2VDC (min) and 14.4VDC
(max). Optimum charging voltage is normally 13.8VDC. Time
taken to fully charge will vary depending on the Ah size of the
battery and the level of current available from the charger.
4. Batteries Hate Heat
For maximum life and performance, an SLA battery should be
or lower temperatures the Ah capacity available could vary up to
50%. Be aware that SLA batteries hate heat, the hotter the battery
the shorter its life.
Operating Voltage 6V and 12V DC
Reverse Polarity Protection Red LED Indication
Max Input Voltage 15VDC
Battery Types SLA (AGM), GEL & Flooded (WET)
Battery Sizes 6V (1.2Ah – 12Ah) and 12V (1.2Ah to 100Ah)
Ah Capacity Test Simulated 20 hour (C20) load test to 10.50VDC
Ah Calibration Calibrated at 0 (zero) position to brand new fully
charged premium brand SLA batteries rated at
Ah Result Based on the battery under test temperature and
state of charge
Ah Adjustment Provides ± Ah adjustment to brand new fully charged
standby SLA, cyclic GEL and car FLOODED lead acid
batteries
Battery Table Recharge or replace battery when Ah capacity
available falls below 65% of the battery’s stated
capacity
Display Type Back-lit LCD
Flat Battery Warning 6V <5.30VDC, 12V <10.50VDC
Repeat Test Operation Can perform repeat tests continuously
DCV Accuracy ± 2% of displayed reading
Ah Accuracy ± 10% Fully charged premium brand C20hour rated
SLA batteries at 20 - 25C (68F - 77F)
Applied Pulse Load 6A 1.2Ah - 7Ah, 18A 8Ah - 100Ah
Ah Cal Adjustment Approx ± 25 dgts
Case Construction High impact ABS
Size 210(H) x 110(W) x 41(D)mm
EN 61326-1:2006, Class B (Emissions)
EN 55011:2007, A2 Radiated Emissions Only
EN 61326-1:2006, Basic Requirements (Immunity)
EN 61000-4-2: 1995, A1, A2
EN 61000-4-3: 2006, A1
2004/108/EC (Where Applicable)
Table of contents
Other ACT Meters Test Equipment manuals
