(84) Operation of Dry Cells.
The following hints should be observed to obtain the best results with dry cells.
(1) Never remove the paper jackets from the cells.
(2) Never lay tools or other metallic objects on top of the cells for this will cause a “short” that will quickly exhaust them.
(3) Do not connect old and new cells together, especially with the multiple-series system of connections, for the old cells will limit the output of the new, or else will cause cross-currents that will exhaust all of them.
(4) When trouble develops in the battery, test each cell separately and remove the faulty cells. Do not reject all of the battery because of one or two dead cells.
(5) Place the cells in a wooden box that will protect them from dirt or moisture, and if possible divide the box off into pigeon holes with a cell in each hole. For the best protection against moisture, the box should be boiled in paraffine.
(6) Provide a battery switch on the box that will cut both leads from the cells completely out of circuit when the engine is stopped.
(7) Never place a dry cell in a box that has contained storage cells unless the box has been thoroughly washed out, for the residual acid of the battery will destroy the zinc elements.
(8) Make all connections firmly with well insulated wire and take care that the wire does not make contact with any part of the battery except that to which it is connected.
(9) Keep the battery dry.