TM 5-3805-281-24-1
Group 20
References
BATTERY OPERATION
SPECIFICATIONS
All batteries will self discharge at a rate of .001 specific
gravity point per 24 hour period at a constant 85 F.
Percent Charged For Stabilized
100%
Open Circuit Voltage 12.6 Volts
The discharge rate increases as temperature increases
or More
and decreases as temperature decreases. If the
Percent Charged For Stabilized
75%
machine is not used for a period of time, the batteries
Open Circuit Voltage 12.4 Volts
must be maintained or stored in a cool place.
Percent Charged For Stabilized
50%
Open Circuit Voltage 12.2 Volts
Wipe batteries with a damp cloth. If terminals are
Percent Charged For Stabilized
25%
corroded, use a stiff brush and wash with an ammonia
Open Circuit Voltage 12.0
solution. After washing, flush battery and compartment
Percent Charged For Stabilized
0%
with clear water. Keep caps in place when cleaning
Open Circuit Voltage 11.7 or
and charging.
Less
Batteries should be maintained at an open circuit
9015
A battery is a device for converting chemical energy to
voltage of 12.40 volts or greater. To determine open
20
electrical energy. It is not a storage tank for electricity,
circuit voltage use the following chart.
1
but stores electrical energy in chemical form.
CHECK OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE FOR STATE OF
Because of the constant chemical to electrical change
CHARGE
(self-discharge, discharge, or charge), the battery has
a limited life. Proper care (cleaning, adding water,
NOTE: Stabilize voltage by turning on high beams 15
charging) will extend the life of the battery.
Amp load for 15 seconds.
The battery is made up of positive plates, negative
Percent Charged For Stabilized Open Circuit Voltage--
plates, separators, plate straps, and chemical solution
Specification
(electrolyte). The electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric
12.6 Volts or More ...................................................................... 100%
acid and water. Sulfuric acid is not lost during
12.4 Volts...................................................................................... 75%
overcharging; therefore, if the liquid solution is low,
12.2 Volts...................................................................................... 50%
only water should be added.
12.0 ............................................................................................... 25%
11.7 or Less.................................................................................... 0%
In a fully charged battery, the positive plate is lead
peroxide (PBQ2), the negative plate is 'spongy' lead
(Pb), and the electrolyte solution is about 1.270 times
heavier than water. The amount that the solution is
heavier than water is called specific gravity.
CED,TX14795,4147
1905AUG971/1
