PITE 3970 user manual
5
NOTE Indicates advisory items related to performance or correct
operation of the instrument.
1.3 Operating Precautions
WARNING:
The electrical voltage and current used in battery testing is potentially lethal.
Before attempting any cleaning or maintenance of PITE 3970, please ensure that the AC power supply
is isolated and all batteries under test are disconnected. Do not connect or disconnect any of the
cables unless the circuit breaker (power control) is turned off.
Connection and disconnection procedures are extremely important. Be sure to follow the instructions
faithfully.
Do not touch conducting parts of the load cables or the power cord when they are connected to PITE
3970.
Explosion risk when using PITE 3970 (all models)
When a lead acid battery is charged i.e. when there is a current flow through the battery, it is always a
risk that the battery can explode.
For new open (vented) batteries the risk is medium to low but in old VRLA (sealed) batteries the risk is
medium to high.
If there is a bad connection inside the battery and there is a current flow - the connection will burn off
and there will be an arc, which will ignite the oxyhydrogen gas in the battery.
To minimize the risk for personnel injuries: Always place PITE 3970 as far away from the battery as
possible - use long load cables and do not stand close to a battery during charge.
If the external current measurement is interrupted or giving false values during the test, the current will
rise to a higher level than the set value before the test is shut down. If the battery is too small for this
current or in a bad condition - it may explode.
If you see any spark from batteries, testing cables or PITE 3970 main body, please switch off the unit
and disconnect all cables for further inspection.
IMPORTANT:
To use PITE 3970 efficiently and avoid electrical shock, fire or any damage to the PITE 3970 or its
accessories, please do read these precautions carefully before using PITE 3970:
Except as explained in this manual, do not attempt to service this equipment by yourself.
If you have wireless monitor with optional DAC, to avoid frequency interference, please do not run two
PITE 3970 simultaneously in the same location within 100 meters. If you really have to, please contact
PITE for presetting.
Before use, check to see if the nominal voltage ranges on the PITE 3970 matches the batteries that
you are going to test. Do not apply PITE 3970 of high voltage in lower ranges of battery system. For
example, if PITE 3970 nominal voltage is 220V, do not connect the charger with battery string of 48V.
Otherwise, batteries may explode.
Please make sure the output AC power supply is high-current withstanding. It is strongly suggested
that the AC power output is connected after protecting relay.
Do not operate the PITE 3970 around explosive gas or vapor.
Use only insulated load cables and test leads supplied with PITE 3970.
Before use, please inspect the PITE 3970, load cables, power cord and accessories for mechanical
damage and replace them immediately if they are damaged. Pay special attention to the insulation