What is the dry charged battery and how to maintain?

Dry charged battery is one term that may seem foreign to most people in the battery world. Nevertheless, this kind of battery is commonly employed in different applications because of the extended shelf life and stability. Knowledge of what it is and how it should be used and maintained can greatly lengthen its life and assure maximum performance.

What is a Dry Charged Battery?

A dry charged battery is an example of lead-acid battery, produced and stored without electrolyte. As opposed to traditional batteries which are already prepared with a liquid electrolyte, dry charged batteries are constructed with charged plates which are dried and capped to avoid oxidation. The design of this battery enables it to spend a long time without depleting its charge. The battery can be warmed up by incorporation of electrolyte when necessary. This is what makes dry charged batteries to be the best choice when it comes to emergency backups, when it comes to utilizing them during the season and when there is a need to store them long-term.

First-Time Use of a Dry Charged Battery

The first time of using a dry charged battery must be followed with details. To prevent destruction, use the following steps to enable.

Step 1: Remove the Exhaust Plug

Find the exhaust plug of the battery. Delicately wipe it off and leave it off. This permits gases to be removed during the charging and avoids pressure accumulation.

Step 2: Remove the Safety Valve Cover

Then take off the cover of the safety valve. The cover helps to guard the inside parts when storing them and should be removed to facilitate access of electrolytes and ventilation.

Step 3: Add Electrolyte

Gently pour electrolyte in each cell of battery. Make sure that the electrolyte level is not less than the minimum level of water level but not more than the maximum level of water level. Excessive or improper fill levels can impact on battery operations and duration. Once an electrolyte is added, leave the battery sometime to enable the plates to absorb the liquid completely. Then it can be charged or used.

How to Maintain a Dry Charged Battery

Maintenance is important to make an efficient and long lasting use of a dry charged battery. The trick is to check electrolyte level periodically.

Check the Electrolyte Level

The level of electrolytes can decrease over time as a result of evaporation or normal use. As soon as the level of liquid decreases to less than the minimum level of water, it is needed to fill it up.

Replenish the Electrolyte

To recharge the battery, follow the procedure of filling electrolyte as in the first time use mechanisms. Take off the safety valve cover and put an electrolyte in each cell until it reaches the minimum and maximum mark. Do not use tap water, which may impair the battery due to the impurities. Rather, clean water or a advised electrolyte solution should be used.

Additional Maintenance Tips

Maintain the battery terminals in a clean state with no corrosion.

Keep the battery in a dry cool place when not in use.

Overcharging and deep discharging will reduce the battery life so avoid overcharging, and deep discharging.

These guidelines would help you make sure that your dry charged battery will continue serving you for years to come. Proper activation and maintenance are the keys in unlocking its full potential whether during emergencies or during season use.