Early Discharge of New Batteries

TM 9-6140-200-14

(2) Battery Capacity Test. A battery discharge tester, where available, can be

used to test battery capacity. If the test shows the battery to be at full

capacity, the battery is probably good.

(3) Battery Self (Static) Discharge Test. This test should be done only in rare

cases. Let the fully-charged battery stand on the shelf, static, for a period

of from 3-7 days. Then test the battery to determine if the rate of standing

loss due to self discharge is excessive in any battery cell. If the rate of

discharge loss is not excessive in any one battery cell, the battery is in

serviceable condition (See Para 4-7).

(4) Battery Test Conclusions. If any of the above tests show the battery to be

in good condition, the test results must be accepted. This may appear

obvious must be emphasized, since inexperience in the battery handling

often leaves the battery handler with little understanding of the reason for a

battery discharge condition. The battery is then considered unserviceable

because no other reason can be found for the discharged condition of the

battery. These points should always be considered when early discharge

of batteries is a problem.

c. Static Discharge During Storage. A new battery will discharge slowly when

standing idle in stock. It will not, however, fully discharge in a two week period,

When a new battery is returned fully discharged after only a couple of weeks,

there is another cause other than a defective battery, REMEMBER, for every

new battery returned for charging, many more old batteries are returned for the

same reason.

d. Testing Batteries with the hand held tester issued to battery shops:

(Read instruction for tester provided)

(1) Simple two step testing.

a. Connect to battery and set Cold Cranking Amps on data plate.

b. Checks voltage for 12 volt batteries.

NOTE

If temperature is below 32 degrees F press and hold

the temperature compensated button to get a

compensated test results.

4-8