All electrical connections should be firmly made and kept thoroughly clean. A cover should be kept on the generator when not in use. If the machine be damp it should be allowed to dry before running at full load.
Note.—A few new installations have been supplied with 5-kw. gasoline electric sets, and future installations will be similarly equipped. Wherever installed, pamphlets on the care and operation of the gasoline sets have been furnished, containing full instructions for the guidance of those concerned.
APPENDIX NO. 3.
THE STORAGE BATTERY.
(See pamphlets issued by the Electric Storage Battery Co., Philadelphia, Pa., on General Instructions for the Operation and Care of the Chloride Accumulator.)
Unpacking material.—Great care should be taken in the unpacking and subsequent handling of the various parts of the battery, as many of them are easily broken or bent out of shape by rough handling.
Open the crates or packing boxes on the side marked “Up” and carefully lift contents out; never slide them out by turning the crate on its side.
Upon opening the crates and boxes, carefully count the contents of each package, and check with the shipping list. A number of small parts will usually be found in each shipment, and care should be taken to examine the packing materials to determine that no parts have been overlooked.
Immediately upon opening the crates the materials should be carefully examined for breakage. Cracked jars, whether of glass or rubber, should not be set up, for if put into use leakage of electrolyte may cause annoyance or trouble.
Location of battery room.—The proper location of the battery is important. It should be in a separate room, which should be well ventilated, dry, and of moderate temperature. Extremes of temperature affect the proper working of a battery. The air should be dry, for if damp there is danger of leakage due to grounds.
The ventilation should be free, not only to insure dryness, but to prevent chance of an explosion, as the gases given off during charge form an explosive mixture if confined. For this reason never bring an exposed flame near the battery when it is gassing.