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| Figure 15-12 Selenium battery charger with manual control. |

| Equalizing charge. In checking the condition of lead batteries, especially where they are floating on a line, it may be found that some cells have a different voltage from others. In such cases, an equalizing charge may be applied to the entire battery. This consists of raising the charging rate temporarily by increasing the voltage across the battery to obtain a greater flow of current into it. The equalizing charge is continued until all cells are fully charged, as shown by voltage and specific gravity readings (and also be a certain amount of gasing). |

| The equalizing charge ensures that all acid (or sulphate) is driven from the plates. If sulphate is allowed to remain for any appreciable time, it will |

TABLE 15-1 Troubleshooting Storage Batteries

Condition

Possible Cause

Suggested Remedy

| Low electrolyte level in lead battery |

| Excessive gasing from overcharge or overdrain |

| Replace water. Check charging and discharging rates. |

Excessive gasing | Same as above | Same as above.

| Battery or cell voltage above normal |

| Charging voltage set too high |

Adjust charging rate.

| Battery or cell voltage below normal |

| Charging voltage set too low |

Adjust charging rate.

| (Table continued on next page) |

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