Battery Status

[goshen39-2]

Our chief is a firm believer in hydrometer readings for determining the condition of the apparatus batteries. We are wanting to change to taking voltmeter readings for battery status. What really is the best way to determine the condition of the apparatus batteries?

[tomgranat]

There is a chart on the Trojan battery web site that relates hydrometer readings to terminal voltage along with some other useful notes. Follow the link: <a href="http://www.trojan-battery.com/customercare_batterymaint4.htm l" target="_blank">web page</a>

Make sure you use a good quality voltmeter and it will have to be calibrated every year or so to insure you are getting the proper readings.

[3genff]

I was always taught to use the Hydrometer as well as a load test when the battery is in question. As for checking voltage a baterry can have a "surface charge". An example is my jet ski showed twelve volts but when you hit the start switch nothing and the volts dropped.

<br />Just a note: Batteries are cheap (compared to a 300k fire truck that wont start) so I generaly replace them after two years.

[tomgranat]

3genff,

This is a perfect example of using a good voltmeter. If your jet ski battery showed 12 volts, according the table referenced in my previous post, it only had a 40% charge. That is why the voltage dropped drastically when you hit the starter. You need to be able to measure the terminal voltage to 2 decimal places to the right of the decimal point eg. 12.00 volts.