How to Make Sure You’re Using Industrial Batteries Safely
Industrial batteries can be used at home, in warehouses, and in industries. Regardless of the location, you need to be aware of the potential risks that come with handling an industrial battery. Aside from their weight, industrial batteries also contain concentrated sulfuric acid, making them dangerous in multiple ways. By understanding the safety and best practices when handling these batteries, you can effectively avoid potential danger.
Use the Correct Battery Charger
Batteries often run out of power and may require a charge from time to time. To ensure the safe use of industrial batteries, it’s advisable always to use a charger from the same brand. There are several options to choose from when it comes to industrial battery chargers; however, you need to research one with the best reviews and can handle the size and needs of your battery. During charging, the battery may get a little heated. This should not worry you unless the battery becomes unusually hot.
You should also remember to keep sparks, naked flames, or smoke away from the battery charging station. Exposing your batteries to heat risks ignition, which may result in an explosion.
Never Discharge Batteries Below 80% of its Rated Capacity
Most lead-acid traction batteries are rated to 1200 or 1500 cycles with an 80% depth discharge. By going beyond 80%, you could be significantly reducing the life expectancy of the battery. For example, if the battery were to serve up to five years, it would reach only two. Over discharging could also lead to blowing fuses or overheating electric circuits. In some cases, the charger may not recognize the battery, hence the need for costly battery repairs.
Practice Battery Washing
Over time, your battery may corrode, affecting the charging capabilities or its ability to provide power. To prevent an excessive build-up, you need to clean your battery regularly. However, this exercise could prove messy and dangerous. For those with limited knowledge of how to clean the batteries, it’s best to contract the services of a reliable battery washer. This way, they can get rid of the contaminated wash water safely. Regularly washing your batteries helps to prolong the life cycle expectancy of your battery by preventing terminal corrosion, calcium deposits, terminal corrosion, and lowering the self-discharging rate.
Ensure the Battery is Equalized at Least Once a Month
Some manufacturers have included an auto equalizer in their batteries. However, if yours doesn’t have one, you may have to do it manually at least once a month. Most batteries are built with multiple 2V cells linked to generating a specific voltage. Each of the cells charges and discharges at different rates, meaning over time, you will find yourself with varied voltages – where some cells are half-charged, others are flat while the rest are fly charged.
If not corrected in time, the battery could fail earlier than anticipated. An equalizer charger is the best course of action to correct this—however, the equalizer requirements ten to vary based on battery use. The equalizer is plugged in after a full charge has been completed. The charger then releases a low current charge over a given period to ensure the full charge cells don’t get overcharged while the lower cells fill up.
