1. Ampere-hour meter hand reaches FULL, or
2. Both pilot balls are UP, or
3. Hydrometer test shows top of FULL band out of electrolyte.
In any case, plant should be run until battery is "Charged" at least once a week.
Always Start Charging When Battery Gauges Indicate Battery Discharged.
On ampere-hour meter plants, when the hand is at FULL, the plant cannot be operated on account of the ignition circuit being broken.
In such cases allow load to be taken from the battery until the hand travels back sufficiently to allow the plant to run.
Occasionally the plant and battery are used to carry continuous loads of from 10 to 15 amperes each night, with practically no day load. This condition necessitates running the plant to carry the load, but at the same time the battery is continually receiving from 10 to 15 amperes charge, with the result that the battery may receive too much charging. This would be indicated by the battery bubbling freely every time the plant is operated. To prevent this condition, the user should be instructed to carry the load off the battery frequently enough to prevent continual bubbling.
Where Small Load Is Used.
There are many installations where the battery capacity is sufficient to last several weeks. On installations of this kind it is advisable to charge the battery to FULL at least once a week.