Exide Technologies GB3565 - Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
RAILWAY DIESEL STARTING
BATTERIES
KDZ
In the USA, call 1-800-GNB-RAIL for additional information.
In Canada call 1-800-268-2698 for additional information.
For alternate language versions of this document, visit www.gnb.com
POST THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IN BATTERY MAINTENANCE AREA
13. REMEMBER THESE IMPORTANT FACTS
For maximum battery life and performance,
always be aware of these potential problem areas
and take the appropriate action to correct them
should they occur.
SHORT CIRCUITS—cause electrical leaks
that run batteries down.
ENERGY WASTE—running battery down
with lights or accessories unintentionally left
on when engine is not running.
POOR, DIRTY CONNECTIONS—corrosion
builds up resistance which impedes—often
stops—the flow of power to and from the
battery .
LOW REGULATOR SETTINGS— limit the
flow of recharging current to the battery
thereby starving it.
HIGH OR UNCONTROLLED REGULATOR—
permits excessive flow of current to the
battery causing excessive loss of water and
premature failure.
14. WARRANTY AND RECORDS
Diesel starting batteries are warranted against
manufacturing defects or factors under GNB
Industrial Power control. There are many factors
under the control of the battery user that can damage
the battery. The most important user-controlled
factor is the battery float voltage set on the voltage
regulator of the locomotive generating or charging
system. Many battery users routinely keep records
of monthly readings of voltage regulator output
with the engine at idle and at operating speed. As
explained above (Section 6), the correct adjustment
of battery float voltage is critical in ensuring battery
performance. To keep the warranty valid, the
following records must be kept:
a) Quarterly record of voltage regulator output
or battery float voltages together with the
temperature range for which adjustment is
made; and
b) Quarterly log of electrolyte level and specific
gravity in the cells of the battery. Such records
can alert the user to the existence of abnormal
conditions in his application that can adversely
affect the battery. Preventive actions can then
be taken promptly to ensure the battery is not
damaged.
15. RECYCLING
U.S. Federal and State Regulations require that lead
acid batteries be handled and disposed of in compliance
with strict guidelines. GNB offers disposal service for
lead acid batteries. Call 1-888-438-5865 to arrange a
pick-up or to get additional information. In Canada, call
1-800-231-9081.
1 . SAFETY
1.1 Follow your company’s Safety Instructions
when working with or near diesel starting
batteries. Observe the caution label affixed
to the battery. Thoroughly familiarize yourself
with industry and government guidelines
(OSHA, ANSI) for charging, handling and
maintaining diesel batteries.
1.2 Assign battery and charger care to properly
trained personnel.
1.3 This battery contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Wear
rubber apron, gloves, boots and goggles or
face shield when handling, checking, filling,
charging or repairing batteries.
1.4 Keep water readily available for flushing
spilled electrolyte from eyes or skin. Use
plain water only and obtain medical attention
immediately. Special deluge showers and
eye wash basins are required.
1.5 Batteries produce hydrogen during charge.
Keep open flames away. Do not check
electrolyte level with a cigarette lighter or
match. Use a flashlight or permanent lights.
Do not smoke or create sparks.
1.6 Lift batteries with a hoist, crane, lift truck,
or similar equipment. Move batteries on
trucks, conveyors or rollers. Be sure to place
a rubber mat or similar insulating material
across tops of batteries without covers when
handling. Make sure equipment is of ample
strength and properly installed.
CAUTION: Do not use chain or wire rope slings.
1.7 Never lay metal tools, such as wrenches or
other material on top of a battery.
1.8 Disconnect the battery from the locomotive
when performing maintenance and repair
on the motor or electrical system.
1.9 Open or “break” the battery circuit before
attempting repairs to terminal connections.
1.10 Apply a strong neutralizer, like baking soda,
when acid is spilled on the floor. Check local
regulations regarding disposal of neutralized
waste.
2. RECEIVING BATTERIES
Immediately upon receipt of shipment, examine
the outside of the packing for signs of rough
handling before accepting battery from carrier.
Wet spots on the shipping pallet may be an
indication of leaking jars broken in shipment.
If there is evident damage, the receipt should be
signed and both copies (carrier’s and receiving
copies) marked “Shipment Received Damaged”.
The carrier should be called immediately and
asked to make a “Carrier’s Inspection for Damage
Report”.
If “concealed” damage is later detected, the carrier
should be called immediately and requested
to make a “Carrier’s Inspection for Concealed
Damage Report”. After inspection by the carrier,
arrangements should be made with the local
GNB
® Industrial Power representative to have
the battery repaired before placing it in service.
CAUTION
Before placing a battery in service,
review and adhere to the Safety
Guidelines listed in Section 1.
3. INITIAL FRESHENING CHARGE
Remove the vent caps from each cell and check
to see that the electrolyte level is above the plates.
During shipment of the battery, low temperatures
and/or normal shock and vibration often results in
a drop in the electrolyte level. If the level is below
the plates, recheck it after three hours of charging.
If the level remains below the plates, add water
until the plates are covered. If it is obvious that
electrolyte has spilled out of any cells, replace
it with electrolyte of the same specific gravity as
found in the other cells of the battery.
Replace the vent caps and give the battery a
freshening charge of 3 to 6 hours or by continuing
CAUTION - READ THE ENTIRE INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PLACING BATTERIES IN SERVICE.
A Division of Exide Technologies
A Division of Exide Technologies
A Division of Exide Technologies
GNB Industrial Power
U.S.A. - Tel: 877.GNB.INFO
Canada - Tel: 808-268-2698
www.gnb.com
GB3565 2013-10