Top Tips for Batteries

Before fitting or removing a battery, make sure that all the equipment connected to it is switched off.

When undoing the connections to the battery terminals, disconnect the earth/negative connection first (usually a black cable).

Connect the battery to the charger before switching the charger on.

The charging rate in amps should not be more than 1/10th of the battery's rated capacity in ampere-hours (Ah).

If a battery has become deeply discharged it will not accept a charge rate of more than 1/20 of the stated ampere-hour capacity.

Using automatic chargers or boost chargers is not recommended for deeply discharged batteries.

Charging batteries can give off flammable fumes, so make sure there are no naked flames nearby and there is adequate ventilation.

If battery acid gets into your eye, rinse continuously with clean running water and consult your doctor.

If a battery is to be taken out of service for a period longer than a month, then it should be fully charged and disconnected.

If a battery is to be taken out of service for a period longer than a month, then it should be fully charged and disconnected.

When reconnecting the battery, connect the positive connection first (usually a red cable).