Maintain SMF Batteries Maintenance Free

SMF or the sealed maintenance free batteries are the ones that are architect-ed to render reliable, consistent and low maintenance power for UPS applications. These batteries are designed to withstand various troublesome electric conditions like overcharge and over discharge.

For optimum performance of the SMF batteries one has to maintain them and must follow certain- 

 

Do’s and Don’ts aspects which are as follows:

Do’s:                     

1. Store the batteries in cool and covered areas
 

2. Go through the installation manual before starting installation of batteries.
 

3. Always keep the SMF batteries away from sparks, heat source or fire.
 

4. Charge the battery once in 3 months, in case of the battery kept unused or ideal
 

5. In case the battery is damaged before installation, then stop installing it and inform the manufacturer immediately.
 

6. Keep the battery free from dust particles and clean them with dry cloth
 

7. Make use of proper sixe cables along with proper plugs and crimping during installation.
 

8. Always set the charging parameters in sync with the maintenance manual
 

9. Charge the batteries immediately after the discharge as per the specifications given.
 

10. Tighten the terminal bolts with spring washers and apply torque. Check the tightness of all the bolts once 

in 6 months.
 

11. Keep the record of current and voltages once in a month in prescribed register or record.
 

12. Provide proper isolation between battery and battery rack.
 

13. Boost cum float charging is good for SMF batteries.

Don’ts:
 

1. Do not keep the battery in direct sunlight, dust or in moist place as it will result in short circuiting and damage thereafter.
 

2. Acid or DM water should not be added
 

3. Do not tamper the vent plugs.
 

4. Avoid over tightening or under tightening of the terminal bolts as it may result in terminal breakage or fire 

due to lose contact.
 

5. Do not allow ant metal object to rest on the battery as it may lead to short circuit.
 

6. Never mix different capacities, different brands, different type viz. VRLA, Flooded/ Tubular batteries and different manufacturers batteries in the circuit.
 

7. Never do cell tapping during the service life of the SMF battery.
 

8. Never make use of underrating cables for connecting the battery.
 

9. Do not install the SMF battery in a completely sealed container. There should be sufficient ventilation for air circulation.
 

10. Never allow battery to discharge for more than 12 hours in the idle condition.
 

11. Never deep discharge the battery below the limits specified.
 

12. If the equipment is not using for long time, it should be charged once in every week. If the battery is allowed to charge and discharge frequently, the life of the SMF battery is extended to 3-5 years.