THE STORED BATTERY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1018, 8 July 1930, Page 6

THE STORED BATTERY

METHODS OF TREATMENT An ordinary battery kept out o£ use longer than six weeks without attention would probably be seriously injured, if not completely spoiled. It is important, therefore, that special treatment should be given to a battery if it is necessary to keep it out of action without any charging or discharging for a long period. There are two methods of treatment —the dry system and the liquid system—the first being generally considered the best. For the dry system the procedure is to give the battery a thorough charge in order to bring all the plates into good condition. Then empty out the acid, fill up again with distilled water, discharge the battery for a few hours until the voltage has fallen by 10 per cent., and then immediately empty out the water; let the cells drain as much as possible, wash away any traces of acid on the top covers, put a little vaseline on the terminal stems and all connections and store in a place free from dust. The liquid system is to have the plates well covered with cord but below the lead connecting bars inside the cells. Charge up the battery thoroughly remove the terminal heads and vents, carefully clean the tops of cells, vaseline, all metal parts, and store in the dark with protection from dust. A periodical charge is beneficial, but not always necessary. This depends upon the condition of the battery when stored, the type of plates and the amount of loose sediment there may be in the cells.

Another plan is to send the battery to the manufacturer's service depot for attention over a specified period.