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AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING

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that is necessary is to install the batteries properly in the piece of equipment. Most<br />

batteries shipped to NCF units are received charged and dry.<br />

Charged and dry batteries will retain their state of full charge indefinitely so long as<br />

moisture is not allowed to enter the cells. Therefore, batteries should be stored in a dry<br />

place. Moisture and air entering the cells will allow the negative plates to oxidize. The<br />

oxidation causes the battery to lose its charge.<br />

To activate a dry battery, remove the restrictors from the vents and remove the vent<br />

caps. Then fill all the cells to the proper level with electrolyte. The best results are<br />

obtained when the temperature of the battery and electrolyte is within the range of 60°<br />

F to 80° F.<br />

Some gassing will occur while you are filling the battery due to the release of carbon<br />

dioxide that is a product of the drying process of the hydrogen sulfide produced by the<br />

presence of free sulfur. Therefore, the filling operations should be in a well-ventilated<br />

area. These gases and odors are normal and are no cause for alarm.<br />

Approximately 5 minutes after adding electrolyte, the battery should be checked for<br />

voltage and electrolyte strength. More than 6 volts or more than 12 volts, depending<br />

upon the rated voltage of the battery, indicates the battery is ready for service. From 5<br />

to 6 volts or from 10 to 12 volts indicate oxidized negative plates, and the battery<br />

should be charged before use. Less than 5 or less than 10 volts, depending upon the<br />

rated voltage, indicates a bad battery, which should not be placed in service.<br />

If, before placing the battery in service, the specific gravity, when corrected to 80° F,<br />

is more than .030 points lower than it was at the time of initial filling or if one or more<br />

cells gas violently after adding the electrolyte, the battery should be fully charged<br />

before use. If the electrolyte reading fails to rise during charging, discard the battery.<br />

Most shops receive ready-mixed electrolyte. Some units may still get concentrated<br />

sulfuric acid that must be mixed with distilled water to get the proper specific gravity<br />

for electrolyte.<br />

MIXING ELECTROLYTE is a dangerous job. You have probably seen holes appear<br />

in a uniform for no apparent reason. Later you remembered replacing a storage battery<br />

and having carelessly brushed against the battery.<br />

WARNING<br />

When mixing electrolyte, you are handling pure sulfuric acid, which can burn clothing<br />

quickly and severely bum your hands and face. Always wear rubber gloves, an apron,<br />

goggles, and a face shield for protection against splashes or accidental spilling.<br />

When you are mixing electrolyte, NEVER POUR WATER INTO THE ACID.<br />

ALWAYS POUR ACID INTO WATER. If water is added to concentrated sulfuric<br />

acid, the mixture may explode or splatter and cause severe burns. Pour the acid into<br />

<strong>AUTOMOTIVE</strong> <strong>ELECTRICAL</strong> <strong>CIRCUITS</strong> <strong>AND</strong> <strong>WIRING</strong> 12/ 101

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