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Page 305

| Figure 15-11 (cont.) Rectifier method of battery charging: (D) rectifier connections to give an essentially constant d-c voltage. |

| Maintenance.. |

| Since the electrolyte in both lead and alkaline batteries is not consumed, it never has to be renewed unless some is spilled. Water evaporates or gases off, however, and a little water must thus be added from time to time. This water must be distilled, for impurities or other chemicals in it might cause unwanted chemical reactions and reduce the effectiveness and life of the battery. The level of the electrolyte should always be above the plates by at least one-half inch. |

| A lead battery should not be left standing in the discharged condition because the lead sulphate coating on both the positive and negative plates will form into hard crystals that will be difficult to break up on recharging. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, can be left discharged for long periods of time without injury. |

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