Manual

Preparing the Battery
The Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour Standby
Battery has been designed to run the backup
pump for a minimum of 7.5 hours continuously.
However, most of the time the pump will turn on
and off, and the battery will run the pump
intermittently for days. In addition, the unique
materials in the battery enable it to last for 5-7
years in standby service.
NOTE: The battery will not
run the primary pump.
• The use of automotive batteries is NOT
recommended. Automotive batteries are
not designed for this application. They will
only run the pump for a short time and will
have a shorter life than a standby battery.
• NEVER use a maintenance-free or sealed
battery with this system.
• The battery fluid sensor and cap are
designed to fit the Basement Watchdog
batteries. Measuring the battery fluid is
one of the most important features of the
system; since about 80% of backup sump
pump failures are the result of a battery
that has dried out.
Do not use the enclosed battery cap on any
battery except a Basement Watchdog battery.
Do not drill a hole in the cap or the top of
another brand of battery to accommodate the
fluid sensor. Batteries emit explosive gases,
which can cause serious injury or death.
PREPARING THE BASEMENT
WATCHDOG STANDBY BATTERY
The Basement Watchdog batteries are shipped
dry (without acid) so they never lose power
before you take them home. A battery is
activated when the acid is added, and then it
slowly begins to deteriorate as it ages. By adding
the acid just before use, the battery will always be
fresh. Use 1.265 specific gravity battery acid to
fill the battery. It is available where you
purchased the battery.
NOTE: Basement Watchdog batteries now come in
two configurations. The tops of the batteries look
different, and the directions for filling the
batteries and connecting the fluid sensor will vary
slightly. If the top of your battery looks like
photo A, follow the instructions on this page. If
the top of your battery looks like photo B on page
5, follow the instructions on page 5.
Contains sulfuric acid. Wear eye and
clothing protection. If battery acid contacts
skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters eyes, flush
with water for 15 minutes, and get prompt
medical attention. Review the safety
instructions on page 1.
1. Remove the cover of the battery box by
pushing the tabs on the front and back of the
box and lifting up. Place the battery box on
the floor. Place the dry (unfilled) battery into
the battery box.
2. Remove the foil seal on the top of the battery.
3. Carefully push in the perforated tab at the top
of the acid pack. Lift up the large tab and
pull out the dispensing hose. Hold the hose
upright above the pack and squeeze the hose
forcing all the acid back into the pack.
4. Position the acid pack and battery as shown at
the right. Pinch the end of the hose together
and cut off the tip. Insert the end of the hose
into each cell. Control the flow by pinching
the hose with thumb and forefinger. Fill each
cell of the battery to a level just covering the
battery plates, and then go back and top off
each cell equally. It is important to have all
of the cells filled equally or the battery will
not operate properly. The acid should reach a
level about 1/4” below the cap rings. You may
top off each cell with a little distilled water, if
necessary. (Diagram B)
A newly filled battery will sometimes require
additional acid after about ten minutes. Re-
examine the fill level and add additional acid, if
necessary. The battery acid may bubble at this
time and give off a sulfur-like smell, but this is
normal. After the battery has been filled, screw
the caps on the top of the battery.
The battery will be charged 70%-80% 30 minutes
after adding the acid. The system will then finish
charging the battery. During this time the alarm
may sound. The alarm will shut off within 24
hours.
When you fill the battery for the FIRST time, it
will be the ONLY time you add acid to the
battery. In the future, when the fluid level is
low, add distilled water to the cells. NEVER add
more acid.
Page 4
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DANGER
CAUTION
!
DANGER/POISON
BATTERY A
2
3
4
1
2nd LEVEL
1st LEVEL
PLATES
CELL WALL
1
BATTERY TERMINALS
BATTERY CAP RINGS
CROSS SECTION OF BATTERY
1. Fill to 1st level, cover
the plates
2. Then fill to 2nd level,
just below the bottom
of the cap rings
Diagram B
Do not throw an
old battery in the
trash. Take it to a
service station or
recycling center.
CAUTION