In the standard, Table 1-4 (a)1 lists the testing and maintenance intervals for vented lead acid batteries. Key maintenance activities recommended in the table are listed below: Every four months, verify station DC supply voltage and check the electrolyte level and any unintentional grounds.
A discharge test carried out immediately after installation or commissioning of the string is called an acceptance test. For lead acid batteries, the measured percent capacity must be at least 90% of the rated capacity for the battery to pass the test. The results obtained from this test can be used as the baseline for future measurements.
What is battery discharge testing?
Let's dive into battery discharge testing—the backbone of effective battery care—guided by the recommendations from three key IEEE standards: IEEE 450, IEEE 1188, and IEEE 1106. 1. IEEE 450: Vented Lead-Acid (VLA) Batteries IEEE 450 focuses on vented lead-acid batteries commonly used in standby power applications.
There are a number of standards and company practices for battery testing. Usually they comprise inspections (observations, actions and measurements done under normal float condition) and capacity tests. Most well-known are the IEEE standards:
What are the standards for sizing lead-acid batteries?
IEEE Std 485TM-1997, IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications (BCI). IEEE Std. 1491TM, IEEE Guide for Selection and Use of Battery Monitoring Equipment in Stationary Applications. IEEE Std. 1578TM, IEEE Recommended Practice for Stationary Battery Electrolyte Spill Containment and Management. 3.
Most well-known are the IEEE standards: IEEE 450, “IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Vented Lead-acid Batteries for Stationary Applications” describes the frequency and type of measurements that need to be taken to validate the condition of the battery.
Do you need a battery discharge test?
Although the discharge test is a true test of the battery and provides valuable information, people are generally reluctant to do discharge testing, primarily because it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It is also one of those tests that needs to be done right the first time on that day.