TM 5-3810-300-24&P-3
7.2
STORAGE BATTERY
The lead-acid storage battery is an electro-chemical
originally engineered for the
particular
device for converting chemical energy into electrical
equipment by the manufacturer.
energy.
Install Battery
Function of Battery
While the battery is built to satisfactorily withstand the
The battery has three major functions:
conditions under which it will normally operate, excessive
mechanical abuse leads to early failure.
1. It provides a source of current for starting the engine.
Install the battery as follows:
2. It acts as a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical
system.
1. Be sure the battery carrier is clean and that the
battery rests level when installed.
3. It can, for a limited time, furnish current when the
2. Tighten the hold-down clamps evenly until snug.
electrical demands exceed the output of the generator.
However, do not draw them down too tight or the battery
case will become distorted or will crack.
3. Attach the cable clamps after making sure the
Types of Batteries
cables and terminal clamps are clean and in good
condition. To make the cable connections as corrosion
There are two types of batteries in use today.
resistant as possible, place a felt washer at the base of
each terminal beneath the cable clamps. Coat the entire
1. The dry charge battery contains fully charged
connection with a heavy general-purpose grease. Be
positive plates and negative plates separated by
sure the ground cable is clean and tight at the engine
separators. The battery contains no electrolyte until it is
block or frame.
activated for service in the field and therefore leaves the
4. Check the polarity to be sure the battery is not
factory dry. Consequently, it is called a dry charge
reversed with respect to the generating system.
battery.
5. Connect the grounded terminal of the battery last to
avoid short circuits which will damage the battery.
2. If the battery has been manufactured as a wet
battery, it will contain fully charged positive and negative
plates plus an electrolyte. This type of battery will not
Servicing the Battery
maintain its charged condition during storage and must
be charged periodically to keep it ready for service.
A battery is a perishable item which requires periodic
servicing. Only when the battery is properly cared for as
described below can long and trouble-free service be
NOTE: In the selection of a replacement battery,
expected.
it is always good practice to select one of an
"electrical size" at least equal to the battery
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