RECEIVING AND STORAGE
Receiving Inspection
Upon receipt, and at the time of actual unloading, each
package should be visually inspected for any possible
damage or electrolyte leakage. If either is evident, a
more detailed inspection of the entire shipment should
be conducted and noted on the bill of lading. Record
receipt date, inspection data and notify carrier of any
damage.
Unpacking
1. Always wear eye protection.
2. Check all batteries for visible defects such as cracked
containers, loose terminal posts, or other unrepairable
problems. Batteries with these defects must be replaced.
3. Check the contents of the package against the packaging
list. Report any missing parts or shipping damage to your
MK Battery agent or MK Battery immediately.
4. Never lift batteries by the terminal posts.
5. Always lift batteries by the bottom or use the lifting handles.
Storage
1. Batteries should be stored indoors in a clean, level, dry
and cool location. Recommended storage temperature is
0°F to 90°F (– 18°C to 32°C).
2. Stored lead-acid batteries self discharge and must be
given a charge six months from date of manufacture to
prevent permanent performance degradation. Record
dates and conditions for all charges during storage.
3. Recommended charge during storage is at a constant
voltage of 13.80V (6.90V for 6V battery) for 24 hours at
77°F (25°C).
4. Do not store beyond 12 months.
INSTALLATIONS
General
Caution should be taken when installing batteries to
insure no damage occurs. The battery cabinet, tray, rack,
etc. shall be inspected for sharp edges that could cause
damage to the battery casing. Batteries shall not be
dropped, slid, placed on rough or uneven surfaces such
as tray lips or grated flooring. Mishandling of batteries
could result in equipment damage or human injury.
MK Battery will not be liable for damage or injury as a
result of mishandling or misuse of the product.
Grounding
When grounding the battery system, proper techniques
should be applied per electrical standards, such as NEC
and/or local codes, as well as User Manual of specific
application.
BATTERY ASSEMBLY
(Always wear eye protection.)
1. Set up the batteries so that the positive post (+) of one
battery is connected to the negative post (–) of the next
battery for all series connections.
2. All battery electrical contact surfaces shall be cleaned by
rubbing gently with a non-metallic brush or pad before
installing connectors. No-Ox-ID grease can be used but
is not required.
BATTERY ASSEMBLY
(con’t)
3. Install all electrical connectors / cables and bolting hard-
ware loosely to allow for final alignment of batteries.
Torque to manufacturer recommendations.
4. After torquing, read the voltage of the battery string to
ensure the individual batteries are connected correctly.
The total voltage should be approximately equal to the
number of batteries times the measured voltage of one
battery (when connected in series). If the measurement
is less, recheck the connections for proper voltage and
polarity.
5. Read and record connection resistance and note the
method of measurement. This helps determine a satis-
factory initial installation and can be used as a reference
for future maintenance requirements. See Appendix B,
recording forms, in the back of the manual. Clean,
remake and remeasure any connection having a
resistance measurement greater than 10% of the
average of all the same type of connections.
6. Battery performance is based on the output at the battery
terminals. Therefore, the shortest electrical connections
between the battery system and the operating equipment
results in maximum total system performance.
Cable size selection should be determined by current
carrying requirements as well as providing a minimum
voltage drop between battery system and operation
equipment. Proper techniques should be applied per
electrical standards, such as NEC and/or local codes.
Note: Excess voltage drop will reduce the support
time of the battery system.
SYSTEM OPERATION
State of Charge
Battery state of charge can be determined by measuring
the open circuit voltage. Consult the below table.
NOTE: Divide values in half for 6-volt battery(ies)
*The “true” O.C.V. of a battery can only be determined
after the battery has been removed from the load (charge
/ discharge) for 24 hours.
Charging
Consult Charger User Manual of specific application
for Safety and Operating requirements.
For cyclic applications it is important that the battery(ies)
be charged fully after each discharge. It is recommended
that 108% to 115% of the Ah (Amp Hour) capacity
removed from the battery(ies) be replaced after each
discharge. This additional Ah is to compensate for
any efficiency losses between the battery charger and
the battery(ies)
% Charge Gel AGM
100 12.85 or higher 12.80 or higher
75 12.65 12.60
50 12.35 12.30
25 12.00 12.00
0 11.80 11.80
State of Charge vs. Open Circuit Voltage*
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