[RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

[benn kilburn]

I'm curious of others experiences with testing "new" batteries right from the mfgr, before putting them into service.  I'm not talking about load testing, i mean just basics...voltage, specific gravity and electrolyte level.
I recently received some batteries (24 x 2V) and before putting them to work i tested all the voltages, SG's and levels.  Voltages were all with-in 0.016 V (2.1-2.084).  The SG's were within 0.037 (1.281-1.244).  Yes, the one with the lowest SG also had the lowest V.  
What concerns me a bit more than the few cells with lower SG is the consistent low levels of electrolyte.  All cells were between 3/4" and 1-1/2" below full, which is 1/4" below the bottom of the vent well tube.... with one exception that was bang-on full.  Interestingly, the one full battery was the only one with a different date code than the rest. 
Should the various levels of electrolyte mentioned be acceptable when a battery is brand new, straight from the mfgr?  How bout the SG's?
I'm considering adding electrolyte from a local battery shop instead of distilled water to top up all the batteries.  Comments?
Very thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience on this list,benn

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. benn at daystarsolar.ca780-906-7807 HAVE A SUNNY DAY





 		 	   		  
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110324/a827fac2/attachment-0002.html>