[RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

[jeff Wongstrom]

Roy,

After reading the tip about herbicide sprayers on the wrench list a  
few years ago I also use and recommend sprayers for battery  
watering.  With systems that I install that include a wet cell  
battery I provide and install the following 'Battery Safety and  
Maintenance Kit':

		Fire extinguisher- C rated
		Smoke alarm
		Large orange bag of baking soda(Costco)
		1G modified sprayer with 'Batteries -  Distilled Water Only!!'  
written on the top side in large letters.

At one time the kit was optional, now it is included for $40-50.

I am also a fan of the big red amp and volt read out of the Trimetric  
and include one in every system, preferably located in the living  
room or kitchen.

Thirsty Lake Solar
Jeff Wongstrom
NABCEP Certified Solar Installer
406-889-5324
thirstylakesolar

On Dec 12, 2009, at 6:50 AM, Roy Butler wrote:

> Joel,
>
> I was waiting to see if others use my method but I didn't see  
> anyone post it.
> I've been off grid and having to maintain my batteries since 1997.  
> I grew to
> hate the battery watering jugs for several reasons and finally came  
> up with
> something that works for me.....your results may vary!
>
> I now use a pump up type garden sprayer. I use a 1.5 gallon version  
> with a
> plastic wand, spray tip removed. I pump it up 6-8 times and that  
> pressure
> allows me to fill 3 to 4 cells, depending on the volume of water  
> needed.
>
> What I like about this is that the wand reaches anywhere in the  
> bank and
> most important, I can watch the cells fill. I put a piece of  
> electrical tape around
> the wand and insert the wand into the cell to the tape level. This  
> is my water
> level and it's really easy to tell when the electrolyte reaches the  
> end of the wand.
>
> About 1/2 of my customers are off grid and most use the sprayer  
> method with
> good results.
>
> BTW, this was a brand new sprayer, dedicated to distilled water and  
> hidden
> away from my wife, who loves to grab what ever is available in my  
> shop. And at
> least here in snow country, the sprayers are all on sale!
>
> Roy Butler
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
> NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer
> PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer
> Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
> 8902 Route 46
> Arkport, NY 14807
> 607-324-9747
>
> www.four-winds-energy.com
>
> Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a  
> large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
>
>
>
>
> Joel Davidson wrote:
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> Thank you for your feedback that automatic watering is not  
>> automatic or reliable. Valves can stick open (a flood) or shut (a  
>> dry cell) or not seat properly (dripping that becomes a slow  
>> flood). I'll get a 2.5 quart watering can sold at auto parts  
>> stores - unless you all have a better idea.
>>
>> Thanks again,
>> Joel Davidson
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joel Davidson"  
>> <joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>
>> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 6:14 PM
>> Subject: Battery Automatic Watering
>>
>>
>>> Wrenches,
>>>
>>> We installed 48 each IBE 1-85N-15 cells (24 in series in 2 Direct  
>>> Power & Water battery boxes). We do not want to use Hydrocaps.  
>>> Your suggestions for an automatic watering system would be most  
>>> appreciated. Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Happy Holidays.
>>> Joel Davidson
>>
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