BATTERY WEAR.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 160, 27 September 1927, Page 6

BATTERY WEAR.

OVERCHARGING DANGER. DEPRECIATION IS LIKELY. Whether overcharging does or does not injure a battery is a question which closely concerns the owner-driver. For he often wants to know whether he should always keep the battery oil charge, whatever its condition. The question was recently dealt with by the chief engineer of a well-known battery manufacturing concern, who pointed out that overcharging does harm in several ways. The lowering of the electrolyte level by excessive decomposition will, unless made good, uncover the upper portion of the plates and increase the current density on the covered portion of the plates, Resulting in overheating and abnormal depreciation. In certain batteries in which the plates are not protected by a complete diaphragm, or separator particles of lead, or lead sulphate, electrolyte will form spongy lead on the upper edges or on projecting ledges and in time bridge across and short circuit the plates. These also suffered material damage, the active material of the -negative plates contracting and the grids of the positives becoming oxidized, and furthermore, the active material of the positive plates suffers from mechanical and chemical effects. Ovei charging, therefore, does cause increased depreciation.

My womenfolk insist they’re crazy .bout scenery, but whenever I take hem for a drive all I hear ’em talk ,bout is what Mrs. So-and-So had on •esterday at the brid~- party.