What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

unyalli

Ok I've been searching and can't find the battery initializing (or was it qualifying) procedure for new flooded lead acid batteries. Can I get a pointer?

Jeff

Cariboocoot

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

You mean "commission charging" perhaps? That's the process of charging brand new batteries according to manufacturer's specs so that every cell is at full and equal SG.

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

Cariboocoot wrote: »

You mean "commission charging" perhaps? That's the process of charging brand new batteries according to manufacturer's specs so that every cell is at full and equal SG.

There you go! Commissioning. Off to the search bar. Thanks

Jeff

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

Well I'm still not finding it. I know I found a document on initializing or commissioning a new battery bank. Where is it? Pretty sure it was at windsun.

Jeff

Cariboocoot

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

unyalli wrote: »

Well I'm still not finding it. I know I found a document on initializing or commissioning a new battery bank. Where is it? Pretty sure it was at windsun.

Jeff

Might have disappeared in the recent server upgrade attempt.
Use Google for short terms: site:wind-sun.com commissioning charge

More or less you just charge the batteries until every cell reads full SG according to what the maker says that should be.

Vic

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

Hi Jeff,

Some manufacturers of Flooded batteries, like Surrette Battery, recommend Commissioning a new FLA bank. This would be to measure and record terminal voltage of each battery, check electrolyte level and record level for any cell that was LOW, measure SG of each cell and record, top up any cell to just above the plates, if the electrolyte was very low. Then fully charge the bank, followed by the commissioning EQ.

Believe that the above would not be a bad thing to do. Having a battery log book is also a good thing to record periodic SG readings of each cell, EQ date and time, and date and amount of Distilled Water added to the bank, and any other details of note.

However, for an RV House Bank, this might be a bit over the top. YMMV, opinions, Vic

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

So the bottom line is do a full three stage charge then check fluid levels and ensure no plates are exposed then do a full equalize?

waynefromnscanada

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

unyalli wrote: »

So the bottom line is do a full three stage charge then check fluid levels and ensure no plates are exposed then do a full equalize?

And after all that, if the SG of any cell is not up to where the manufacturer says it should be when fully charged, do an additional, or if needed, an extended EQ until all cells are up to the required SG and they all closely match in SG.
What do you have for batteries? Make and model? How many of these batteries do you have, and what is the system voltage?

vtmaps

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

unyalli wrote: »

So the bottom line is do a full three stage charge then check fluid levels and ensure no plates are exposed then do a full equalize?

Those are good things to do, but you left out the MOST important: Check and record the specific gravity of each cell.

I would check the fluid level and voltage and production date code before I ever took the batteries home. Just a reminder: you cannot make sense of the SG if you have just watered the battery.... you will need to charge it at absorb voltage for awhile to stir the electrolyte.

--vtMaps

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

waynefromnscanada wrote: »

And after all that, if the SG of any cell is not up to where the manufacturer says it should be when fully charged, do an additional, or if needed, an extended EQ until all cells are up to the required SG and they all closely match in SG.

Ok, the end of the story is blast them till there equal in all cells.

They are the Sams Club, Cosco GC2's. Look at the recommendation section over on the right.

Attachment not found.

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

vtmaps wrote: »

Those are good things to do, but you left out the MOST important: Check and record the specific gravity of each cell.

Understood I have an SG device.

Vic

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

AND, Jeff,

You should check the electrolyte level before charging. Only add water to cells that are very low. No need to add water before charging unless the plates are not fully covered. This exceedingly low electrolyte level is very, very unlikely, but good to check. Would return any new battery that have very low electrolyte level, anyway. Just good to know at the beginning.

Agree that buying batteries with the same Date Code, and good and nearly equal terminal voltages from measurements that you made prior to purchase is a great idea ... somehow, I had felt that these batteries were already purchased ... dunno. Good Luck, Vic

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

Vic wrote: »

AND, Jeff,

You should check the electrolyte level before charging. Only add water to cells that are very low. No need to add water before charging unless the plates are not fully covered. This exceedingly low electrolyte level is very, very unlikely, but good to check. Would return any new battery that have very low electrolyte level, anyway. Just good to know at the beginning.

Agree that buying batteries with the same Date Code, and good and nearly equal terminal voltages from measurements that you made prior to purchase is a great idea ... somehow, I had felt that these batteries were already purchased ... dunno. Good Luck, Vic

I have 2 GC2's right now that are around 3 years old that I did this initializing procedure on. I am going to trade them in for the core charge of $15 ea on a new set of 4 GC2's. I plan on treating the new set as a long term set and want the manufacture dates within a few months. I couldn't remember what this initializing procedure was. Old timers.

Jeff

waynefromnscanada

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

HALT!!!!!!!! STOP!!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!
Checking the battery specs, it looks like these are sealed AGM batteries! If this be true, DO NOT try doing an EQ charge and DO NOT overcharge them, DO NOT "BLAST then with charge. You cannot check the SG on sealed AGM batteries and if overcharged, they will vent, dry out and be ruined!
Good thing you finally told us what you had for batteries. Hope it's not too late!

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

waynefromnscanada wrote: »

HALT!!!!!!!! STOP!!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!

No No No No No read further. These are 6 volt Golf Cart batteries.

waynefromnscanada

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

unyalli wrote: »

No No No No No read further. These are 6 volt Golf Cart batteries.

Do these batteries each have 3 caps that can be easily removed so you can look into the battery and see the liquid level?

unyalli

Re: What was the initializing procedure for new deep cycle batteries?

waynefromnscanada wrote: »

Do these batteries each have 3 caps that can be easily removed so you can look into the battery and see the liquid level?

Yes, they have a 3 cap system where you rotate a lever and all three caps come off at the same time as an assembly.