User Manual

PREPARATION:

- Required Equipment: protective

goggles, rubber gloves & rubber boots, hydrometer

or refractometer, voltmeter, distilled water, baking soda or soda ash for possible

overflow or spills

- Standard 1/4-turn bayonet caps and Rolls R-Cap flip-top recombination caps may

be left on during this procedure. Dirty or clogged caps may prevent the release of

hydrogen gas. Inspect and clean caps as necessary. Hydrocaps must be removed.

- Check each cell for low electrolyte levels and/or exposed plates and top up with

distilled water as necessary. If the cells require watering, do so before starting

the Equalization process to allow sufficient mixing with the existing electrolyte.

Be careful not to overfill as the electrolyte will bubble and may overflow during

the process.

- Program the Equalization voltage as recommended in Table 2 (a & 2 (b Flooded

Charging Parameters starting at the lower end of the voltage range for newer

models.

PROCEDURE:

1. Complete a Bulk & Absorption charge to bring the battery bank to 100% SOC

before starting a corrective Equalization.

2. Measure the temperature of a test cell and record the specific gravity of each

cell in the battery bank. Identify cells with high/low readings.

NOTE: Do not attempt to equalize a battery bank with known failed batteries

or cells as this may force a severe overcharge, damaging the remaining cells.

3. Initiate the Equalization charge mode at a steady low DC current (5-10% of C/20

battery capacity). If grid power is not available, use a DC power source (generator)

or PV array with sufficient current when possible.

4. Specific gravity will rise across the battery bank, ideally reaching 1.265-1.270

in each cell upon completion. Readings in some cells may be slightly elevated

due to electrolyte temperature (Ex. 1.280) and will return to normal when cooled

but should not exceed 1.30. If the cell temperature rises above 46ºC (115ºF)

and approaches 52ºC (125ºF), terminate the Equalization process and allow the

batteries to cool. If available, check individual cell temperatures using an IR temp

sensor to isolate any possible damaged cells.

5. If cells are severely sulfated it may take several hours for the specific gravity to

rise and/or balance. If the readings plateau for 45-60 minutes, but do not reach

1.265-1.270, stop the process to prevent cell damage and allow the batteries to

cycle normally for 2-4 weeks before repeating. The cells will continue to desulfate

following an Equalization as sulfate dissolves during normal charging.