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Lead Acid Battery
Equalization
Equalizing
(Flooded batteries only)
Equalizing is an overcharge performed on flooded lead acid batteries after they
have been fully charged. It reverses the build-up of negative chemical effects
like stratification, a condition where acid concentration is greater at the
bottom of the battery than at the top. Equalizing also helps to remove
sulphation
crystals that might have built up on the plates. If left unchecked, this
condition, called sulphation, will reduce the overall capacity of the battery.
Experts recommend that batteries be equalized periodically, ranging anywhere
from once a month to once or twice per year. However, We only recommend
equalizing when low or wide ranging specific gravity (± .015) are detected after
a
full battery charge. Equalizing is hard on the batteries but a
necessary maintenance procedure.
* GEL= A lead acid battery with a gelling compound added to
the electrolyte to make the battery spill-proof.
**AGM= Absorbed Glass Mat
VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries which are semi-sealed with a valve that limits internal
pressure may be equalized. It is almost impossible to replace lost water
due to repeated venting. Check with your battery manufacturer.
Benefits of an equalizing
cycle
-
Electrolyte stratification
(uneven concentration of electrolyte) is eliminated.
-
Reduction or elimination of
sulphation crystals on the plates.
-
Restores battery capacity lost
due to sulphation.
Step by Step Equalization:
-
Verify the
batteries are flooded type.
-
Start with a
fully charged battery that isn't hot from just being charged up.
-
Recheck that
electrolyte is at proper level.
-
Make sure
that there is sufficient ventilation. Explosive Oxygen and Hydrogen gasses are
emitted during equalization.
-
Remove all
loads from the batteries.
-
Connect
battery charger.
-
Set charger
or inverter/charger for the equalizing voltage.
-
Start
charging batteries.
-
Batteries
will begin gassing and bubbling vigorously.
-
Take
specific gravity readings every hour when the specific gravity has not dropped
for the last hour the equalization is complete.
-
Closely
monitor battery temperatures with particular attention to temperature
difference between batteries.
-
Equalization
is complete when specific gravity values no longer rise during the gassing
stage.
Reminder, great care must
be taken. Venting of the Explosive gases is really important. Also
extremely important is to protect your eyes and skin from the corrosive
sulfuric acid electrolyte.
Many chargers do not have an equalization setting therefore this procedure may not
be able to be performed by your charger.
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