McGraw Edison Ni-Cads (KOH electrolyte) [RE-wrenches]

[john at gosolar.co.nz]

Greetings all,

I've a customer with some Edison Ni-Cads that are about 12 years old (or
thereabouts) and they had very light use.  The stamp on the side is
ED-120, which I believe to be 120a/h per bank of 5 cells to make up 6v.
Generally the batteries look to be in good condition, hardly any
corrosion or spills, etc.

These were sold to another customer and when he tried to use them they
would only give about an hours use. We have been told various things
about checking the S.G. on them which was said to be about 1.20 but at
68degrees and evidentally temperature is pretty important. Also the only
thing to top them up with is distilled water.

Owner A has left the country and No-one seems to know much about these
batteries locally and I have been told various things, probably more
heresay than reliable info. We have also heard that the KOH is nasty
stuff and treat it just like the cautions for H2S04.

I've been told that the electrolyte should be changed every 10 years and
if thats the case these are overdue.  And, after having changed the
electrolyte, it will take about 20 cycles to bring them back to
productivity (so the electrolyte can sink in, we are told)

The new owner is really keen to use them as he is a great person to
recycle and re-use and we both have heard some great things about
Ni-Cads except how to get them to a usable state.

If anyone has some first-hand experience and can help, please contact me
off-list, your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

            thanks a lot,                        John V, Christchurch,
N.Z.

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