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 A
new lead-acid battery must always
be filled with acid. The acid should
cover the top edges of the plates
by approximately 1/4 inch. This
is indicated on most batteries by
filling until the fluid just touches
the lower edge of the filler tube
in each cell. New batteries should
stand for 10 to 15 minutes after
the initial filling to allow the
plates to absorb acid and then more
acid should be added, if necessary,
to bring the fluid back to the proper
level.
BEFORE USING, THE BATTERY
SHOULD BE FULLY CHARGED.
Failure to charge the battery before
it is placed in service will significantly
shorten its useful life. When using
the charger normally provided with
most power wheelchairs, charging
overnight before first use is recommended.
After this initial charging the
fluid level should be checked again
and should be brought back to the
proper level by adding distilled
water.
Since water is the only element
lost in the operation of a lead
acid battery, distilled water is
a very important factor in proper
maintenance. The fluid level should
be checked at least once each week.
If the fluid level is allowed to
drop below the top edges of the
plates the exposed surface of the
plates will deteriorate very rapidly
and reduce the capacity of the battery.
Continued exposure to the air may
cause the plates to crumble, allowing
loose particles of lead to drop
down between the plates, which will
short circuit the cell.
On the other hand the battery should
not be overfilled. When the battery
is charged, the plates, the separators,
and the electrolyte expand. If the
battery has been overfilled the
fluid is forced out over the top
of the filler hole and is lost.
This very caustic sulfuric acid
is spilled either into the battery
container, or in the absence of
a container, onto the floor. This
will result in severe damage to
the carpet or flooring and possibly
expose the user or other members
of the household to sever injury
from acid burns.
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