Magic Water: The Secret to Maintaining Lead-Acid Batteries
One of the key aspects of lead-acid battery maintenance is monitoring and adjusting water levels. However, not just any water will do—using tap water is a mistake. Tap water contains dissolved minerals and salts that can accumulate on battery plates over time, significantly shortening battery life and run times. Additionally, chlorine, often present in municipal water supplies to kill bacteria, can have similarly detrimental effects on batteries.
TOP 4 benefits of deionized water for batteries
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Enhanced Performance: Deionized water ensures optimal battery function by preventing mineral buildup that can interfere with cell voltage and increase self-discharge rates.
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Prolonged Battery Life: Deionized water helps extend lead-acid batteries' lifespan and run times by reducing corrosion and minimizing impurities.
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Cost-Effective: Regular use of deionized water can lead to decreased downtime, increased productivity, and reduced costs associated with battery replacements.
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Non-Conductive Properties: Deionized water doesn't conduct electricity without mineral ions, so it won't negatively affect battery performance.
How to Water Lead-Acid Batteries
The frequency of watering a lead-acid battery depends on its usage. For example, a forklift battery that runs all day, every day, might require weekly watering. As the battery is used, water evaporates, which reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of damage.
Regular Checks and Optimal Timing
It's crucial to check water levels regularly, especially after charging, as hot temperatures can accelerate water loss. Batteries should be watered while gassing or at the end of a charge cycle and filled to about a quarter inch below the bottom of the vent well.
Safety First
Ensure that only personnel trained in lead-acid battery maintenance water the batteries. Avoid hand watering, as it's commonly associated with improper battery watering. Instead, a single-point watering system, such as Crown's V-Force® Battery Watering System, can ensure that batteries are watered to the correct level.
Utilizing Technology
Battery watering monitors, also available from Crown, feature LEDs that blink when the electrolyte level is good and go out when water is needed. A single-point watering system minimizes the risk of overwatering or underwatering, which can damage batteries. Additionally, the V-Force system can reduce watering time by about 75% compared to hand watering.
Cost and Performance Benefits
A battery watering system can pay for itself in labor savings in less than a year. Proper watering, especially with deionized water, extends the life and improves the performance of lead-acid batteries.
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