In setting up a battery, it should be remembered that plates deteriorate on standing exposed to the air. They should, therefore, be unpacked and set up immediately on arrival. When they are entirely connected up, they are ready for the addition of the electrolyte, and for the forming charge, which they should receive immediately.
Ques. How should the wooden stringers, shelves, cell boards, and trays be treated?
Ans. They should be thoroughly varnished to insure cleanliness as well as good insulation.
Outside of each cell and close to the mouth, melted paraffine should be applied by means of a brush, so as to form a band about an inch wide, for the purpose of preventing the electrolyte creeping over the top of the jar, wetting the outside, and thereby impairing the insulation.
Ques. What should be done to avoid waste of current by leakage?
Ans. Each cell of the battery must be thoroughly insulated.
Ques. What is the effect of verdigris which forms on the terminals?
Ans. It is a poor conductor and should therefore be removed and the terminals kept bright and clean to insure the proper flow of the current.
