Lifeline Technical Manual

Document No. 6-0101 Rev. D Page 14 of 38
CHAPTER 5 - COMMISSIONING AND SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 Storage
Lifeline® Batteries are charged at the factory and are ready for installation when they are
received. Batteries may be stored prior to installation for up to 2 years, provided they are boost
charged as described below. Batteries should be stored in the coolest environment available,
preferably not exceeding 68°F (20°C). The higher the temperature, the faster the battery will
self-discharge and require boost charging. See Appendix C for data on storage time versus
temperature.
While in storage, batteries should be boost charged every 90 days or when the open circuit
voltage (OCV) drops to 12.5 volts for a 12 volt battery (6.25 volts for a 6 volt battery and 2.08
volts for a 2V battery). This OCV corresponds to approximately 75% state of charge. Boost
charge batteries using a constant voltage charger set at 14.4 to 15.0 volts for a 12 volt battery
(7.2 to 7.5 volts for a 6 volt battery and 2.40 to 2.50 for a 2 volt battery). The boost charge
should be applied until the charging current falls below 0.5 percent of the battery’s 20 hour rated
capacity (0.5 amps for a 100 Ah battery).
5.2 Installation
Be sure there is adequate ventilation in the area where the batteries are to be installed (see
Chapter 6). Batteries may be installed in any orientation except upside down (i.e., terminals
facing the earth). The space surrounding adjacent batteries should be at least 0.25 inch to
permit airflow around each battery. Always use batteries of the same size and condition in multi-
battery installations. When replacing batteries, it is best to replace the entire set of batteries so
they remain balanced.
Connect batteries using cabling that is sized for the maximum load of the system. The voltage
drop on the cables during charging should not exceed 0.2 volts at full output. Protect the battery
terminals from shorting during installation.
Batteries may be connected in series (voltage adds, capacity stays the same), in parallel
(capacity adds, voltage stays the same), or a combination of series and parallel (voltage and
capacity adds). Each of these connection options are illustrated in Figures 5-1 through 5-3,
respectively.