How much water should I add to the Battery?

If the filling is done on Monday morning, we recommend filling to within 1/4" of the base of the vent well (neck). We also recommend the uses of a Battery Watering Gun to aid you in maintaining the proper level as well as reducing the time to water.

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What is an equalize charge?

Often times referred to as a weekend charge. This Charge is nothing more than extended period of charge (2-3 hours) to aid in removing all the sulfate on the plates done during the discharge.

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How often should I equalize?

Every weekend unless the Battery is in a limited duty application. An example would be a Truck that is called on to work only an hour a day. An equalize in that situation would only be necessary once a month.

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How often should I routinely Charge my Battery?

If your work load is very active during the day we recommend Charging every night. If the duty is light then we recommend charging every other day or even less frequent. Keep in mind that the least amount of charge cycles received by the Battery the longer the life of the Battery.

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What is the life span of a Battery?

The average is 5-7 years depending on the duty cycle and more importantly how well it was maintained.

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What is the best way to clean a Battery?

For a long time we recommended cleaning with a Baking Soda and water solution and although this is still OK, we find the spray bottles of a neutralizer/cleaner to be more effective and easier on the user.

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When is a Battery vulnerable to explosion?

Usually during the last few hours of the charge cycle. This is the time that a Battery is giving off hydrogen gas through the vent holes of the cap. Care should be given not to have a flame or metallic objects near the Battery at that time. Proper ventilation is required to help displace the gasses.

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How deep can I discharge my Battery?

Lead acid Batteries should never be discharged below 80% of the Batteries capacity. This can be determined by a "fuel gauge" mounted on the Truck. Most meters will give you some kind of warning.

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Should Batteries be given a "cool down" period following a charge?

Not as much with today's high tech controls on the chargers. These are designed to charge back only what has been removed from the Battery.

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Deka Batteries
BHS Battery Handling Systems
Philadelphia Scientific Watering Products