MAINTENANCE
8Copyright © 2012 Mastervolt / July 2012 / 2 VOLT GEL CELLS / EN
5 MAINTENANCE
5.1 BATTERY MAINTENANCE AND CONTROL
Keep the battery clean and dry to avoid leakage currents.
Plastic parts of the battery, especially the containers, must
be cleaned with pure water. Never use any additives,
acids and/or scourers.
Check batteries and connections on a regular base.
Defects such as loose or corroded connections must be
corrected immediately.
At least every 6 month measure and record:
•Overall voltage the batteries
•Voltages of several cells
•Surface temperature of several cells
•Battery-room temperature
If the cell voltages differs from the average float charge
voltage by more than +0.2V respectively -0.1V or if the
surface temperature difference between cells exceeds
5ºC, a Mastervolt service representative should be
contacted.
Check and record at least every year:
•Voltage of each cell
•Surface temperature of each cell
•Battery-room temperature
•Screw connections
•Screw connections without locking devices have to be
checked for tightness
•Battery installation and arrangement
•Ventilation
5.2 TESTS
Tests have to be carried out according to IEC 60896-22,
DIN 43539 part 1. Special instructions like DIN VDE 0107
and DIN VDE 0108 have to be observed.
5.3 FAULTS
Call a Mastervolt service representative immediately if
faults in the battery or the battery charger are found.
Recorded data as described in chapter 5.1. must be made
available to the service representative. It is recommended
that a service contract is taken out with your agent.
5.4 STORAGE AND TAKING OUT OF
OPERATION
To store or decommission cells for a longer period of time
they should be fully charged and stored in a dry and cold
but frost-free room, away from direct sun light.
The rate of self discharge is approximately 2% per month
@ 20ºC/68°F. Elevated environmental temperatures
increase the self-discharge rate of the batteries. Therefore
batteries need supplementary charge according to the
table below to keep its capacity.
Storage temperature Maximum charging
interval
< 20ºC / < 68 ºF Every 24 months
20 to 30 ºC / 68 to 86 ºF Every 12 months
30 to 40 ºC / 86 to 104 ºF Every 6 months
40 to 50 ºC / 104 to 122 ºF Every 3 months
5.5 TRANSPORT
The batteries must be transported in an upright position.
Never lift the batteries at the terminals. Use soft slings to
avoid damage. Do no stand below the batteries. Batteries
without any visible damage are not defined as dangerous
goods under the regulations for transport of dangerous
goods by road (ADR) or by railway (RID). They must be
protected against short circuits, slipping, upsetting or
damaging. Cells may be suitable stacked and secured on
pallets (ADR and RID, special provision 598). It is
prohibited to staple pallets.
No dangerous traces of acid shall be found on the
exteriors of the packing unit. Cells whose containers leak
or are damaged must be packed and transported as class
8 dangerous goods under UN no. 2794.
