2. After filling with the electrolyte, allow the battery to stand ten to fifteen hours before starting the initial charge. This gives the electrolyte time to cool.
3. No sooner than ten to fifteen hours after filling the battery with electrolyte, add water to bring the electrolyte up to the bottom of the vent tubes, if the level has fallen. Replace the vent caps and turn them to the right.
Start charging at the rates shown in the following table. Continue charging at this rate for at least 96 hours (4 days).
Table of Initial and Repair Charging Rates
| Type and Size of Cell | Charging Rate, Amperes | Minimum Ampere Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KZ-3 | 1/2 | 50 |
| LX-5, LXR-5, LXRE-5 | 1-1/2 | 145 |
| KXD-5 | 2 | 190 |
| XC-9, XX-9 | 2-1/2 | 240 |
| DX-11, KXD-7, LXR-9, LXRE-9, XC-11, XE-11 | 3 | 290 |
| DX-13, KXD-9, LXR-11, XC-13, XE-13, XX-13 | 4 | 385 |
| LXR-13, LXRE-13, XC-15, XE-15, XX-15 | 4-1/2 | 430 |
| KXD-11, XC-17, XE-17 | 5 | 480 |
| LXRV-15, LXR-15, LXRE-15 | 5-1/2 | 525 |
| LX-17, LXR-17, LXRE-17, XC-19, XE-19, XXV-19 | 6 | 575 |
| MHA-11, PHC-13 | 6 | 575 |
| XC-21, XE-21 | 6-1/2 | 625 |
| XC-23 | 7 | 675 |
| XC-25 | 7-1/2 | 720 |
4. Occasionally measure the temperature of the electrolyte. Do not allow the temperature to rise above 110° Fahrenheit (120° Fahrenheit in tropical countries). Should the temperature reach 110°, stop the charge long enough to allow the temperature to drop below 100°.
5. At the end of the charge, the specific gravity of the electrolyte should be between 1.280 and 1.300 (1.210 and 1.230 in tropical countries). If it is not between these limits adjust it by drawing off some of the electrolyte with the hydrometer and replacing with water if the specific gravity is too high, or with electrolyte of the same specific gravity used in filling the battery, if the specific gravity is too low.
6. Wipe off the top and sides of the battery case with a rag dampened with ammonia to neutralize any electrolyte which may have been spilled.
7. Just before putting the battery into service, give it a high rate discharge test. See page 266.