Putting the battery out of commission.—If it is thought best to put the battery out of commission for a time, then it must be treated as follows: After thoroughly charging, syphon off the electrolyte (which may be used again) into convenient receptacles, preferably carboys which have been previously cleaned and have never been used for other kinds of acid, and as each cell becomes empty immediately fill it with fresh, pure water. When water is in all the cells allow them to stand 12 to 15 hours, then draw off the water; the battery may then stand without further attention until it is again to be put into service; then proceed as in the case of the initial charge, as described above.
If for any reason any cell becomes discharged before the others, it should be cut out on discharge and worked up to normal before being used.
Should the battery sulphate, charge and discharge frequently, not using less than one-half normal rate at any time and increasing to full rate as the plates show signs of recuperation; keep the temperature of the cells below 100° F. Frequent exercise will clear the plates in a badly sulphated battery.
Keep careful records of all charging voltages, specific gravities, and troubles with the cells.
The following is a recapitulation of the important points in operating a storage battery:
CONDENSED INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Excessive charging must be avoided. A battery should not be undercharged, overdischarged, or allowed to stand completely discharged.
2. Keep the electrolyte at the proper height above the top of the plates.
3. The daily and weekly readings should be regularly and accurately taken and recorded.
4. Inspect each cell of the battery carefully at regular intervals.