Charging the battery

Under normal operating conditions, the battery does not require recharging from external power sources. A battery removed from a vehicle must be recharged every month. Recharging may also be required when using the vehicle mainly for short trips at night. Completely discharged batteries can freeze and burst in cold weather, while fully charged batteries can withstand low temperatures. This also applies to vehicles that have not been used for a long time. If the battery is installed in a vehicle, disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery before charging.



SEQUENCE OF WORKS



Fig. 15.7. Battery charger device

Connect the positive wire of the charger to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative wire to the negative terminal (Fig. 15.7).


Charging of the battery should be started with a current of approximately 10% of the nominal capacity of the battery (for example, 4.0 A in a 40Ah battery), which is automatically reduced during charging.

During charging, partial electrolytic decomposition of water occurs, forming oxygen on the positive plates and hydrogen on the negative plates - an explosive mixture that escapes through the ventilation holes in the plugs.

Make sure your work area is well ventilated. This is especially important when charging the battery with high currents.

WARNING

Sparks when connecting and disconnecting the charger may ignite the explosive mixture, so be sure to follow safety precautions.