Re: (ET) batteries

["David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden ald net>]

On 22 May 2001, at 9:36, Neil Dennis wrote:

> Now, someone tell me the way to check SG on the sealed 12 volters in my
> mower, all they have is the little "eye" to signify charge.

Isn't that what the eye is -- a simple hydrometer?

It sounds like your batteries are "maintenance-free" flooded batteries.  
I'm not aware of any true deep cycle batteries that are of this type.  
Would these by any chance be the so-called "combination" type (claim to 
be suited to both cyclic and starting use; that is a somewhat modified 
marine starting battery)?  Just wondering.

With a sealed battery, about the only way to check state of charge is 
with a voltmeter.  The battery should have rested for several hours after 
charging.  The following chart is very approximate because batteries vary 
in their chemistry:

SOC     voltage

100%    12.6-12.7
75%     12.4
50%     12.2
25%     12.0
0%      11.8

These voltages apply (roughly) to flooded batteries; valve regulated 
("sealed") types will be a little higher from 50% on up.


David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
1974 Honda Civic EV 96vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
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