How to check AGM Batteries for problems
Battery Inspection |
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The following conditions constitute abusive applications and will void the warranty: | ||||||||||
1. Extreme Vibration applications (i.e., vibrating compactors, concrete cutters) | ||||||||||
2. Dropping or hitting the battery | ||||||||||
3. Cutting, removing, or damaging terminals | ||||||||||
4. Overcharging battery via faulty regulator or dual battery setup not using approved management system | ||||||||||
5. Using Starter battery for deep cycle applications (Car Audio Systems, Trolling Motors, refrigerators) | ||||||||||
6. Opening case lid | ||||||||||
Visual Inspection | ||||||||||
Examples that will void Warranty | ||||||||||
Case and cover damage: | Cracks or holes in case / cover | |||||||||
Missing label | ||||||||||
Bent cover | ||||||||||
Shaved or cut cover / case | ||||||||||
Warped or bubbled cover | ||||||||||
Terminal damage: | Melted, bent or broken terminals | |||||||||
Shaved or cut terminals | ||||||||||
Sunken or raised terminals | ||||||||||
General Guideline In Testing Batteries | ||||||||||
Initial voltage test | ||||||||||
a) 00.00V: to 00.90v: | Open circuit, Remove from service. Warranty only applicable it the post has failed | |||||||||
or an internal connect breakdown as a result of a manufacturing fault. | ||||||||||
Internal examination is required. | ||||||||||
b) 1-.20V to 09.98V: | Over discharge or application fault. Remove from service. No warranty | |||||||||
c) 10.00V to 10.98V: | Possible broken Inter-cell connecter or straight short. Remove from service. | |||||||||
Possible covered under warranty, unless evidence Indications of excessive use or | ||||||||||
Negative growth which not covered under warranty. | ||||||||||
d) 11.00v to 12.55v: | Flat need recharge and retesting. Flat batteries are not covered under warranty. | |||||||||
e) 12.55V to 12.70V: | Fully charged, if fail under load remove from service, warranty applies if within | |||||||||
specified warranty period. | ||||||||||
f) 12.70V to 13.00V: | low CCA at these voltages is normally an indicator of the Battery being Sulphated & | |||||||||
therefore not covered under warranty. Low CCA is not a manufacturing fault it is | ||||||||||
more than often an application or customer fault. Batteries are manufactured to an | ||||||||||
international specification standard from the factory. The Battery will maintain for | ||||||||||
the majority of its life a reasonable close figure to the rating specified but will | ||||||||||
reduce in capacity over its life. Many factors may vary the output of the Battery. | ||||||||||
Using an electronic battery tester is one method of quick testing and should only be | ||||||||||
used as an indicator as a load-test may be required. Sometimes internal | ||||||||||
examinations are the only way to determine the fault, but they are costly | ||||||||||
and time consuming and should only be performed by a Battery Specialist. | ||||||||||
g) Magic Eye MF | (Calcium Batteries only) | |||||||||
The magic eye is only an indicator, if the battery is charged or not. This test has a | ||||||||||
30% variance and should only be used as a quick guide. | ||||||||||
Procedure for testing batteries | ||||||||||
1. Test voltages | ||||||||||
Refer to General Guidelines In Testing Batteries. | ||||||||||
2. Electronic test Battery | ||||||||||
Use an Electronic style test, if within 15% of CCA capacity put back in service. If low refer to | ||||||||||
General Guideline In Testing Batteries. | ||||||||||
Comments | ||||||||||
For Electronic testers, they are a guideline only for CCA ratings. | ||||||||||
3. Charge | ||||||||||
Charge the battery to 100% State-of-Charge if required. Use specified charger to suit the correct battery. (WET, CALCIUM MF, | ||||||||||
AGM, GEL) all require a different peak voltage. | ||||||||||
4. Load test | ||||||||||
Using a Carbon Pile Load Tester, Load the battery for the specified CCA rating During the first 5 to 10 seconds the battery will | ||||||||||
indicate whether it will pass or fail. The standard time for testing is 30 seconds to 7.20 volts, however this rating is designed | ||||||||||
for a manufacturer to test the first and last battery of each production @ - 18c degrees. To determine whether the production | ||||||||||
is manufactured within the specifications of the rating of the battery. Comments: A Battery load test, will not give the same | ||||||||||
reading as when load tested multiple times. | ||||||||||
Warranty adjudication guide | Chances of being a genuine (manufacturing fault) | |||||||||
1. 4 weeks or under: | 5% chance | |||||||||
2. 1-6 months: | 20% chance | |||||||||
3. 6-12 months: | 10% chance | |||||||||
4. Over 12 months: | 5% chance | |||||||||