Basement Watchdog Special - Manual (Page 8)

Battery
Instructions
The Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour
Standby Battery has been designed to run
this system for a minimum of 7.5 hours of
continuous pumping. However, most of the
time the pump will turn on and off, and the
battery will run the pump intermittently for
days. In addition, the unique materials in
the battery enable it to last for five to seven
years in standby service.
The use of automotive batteries is not
recommended. Automotive batteries are
not designed for this application. They will
only run the pump for a short time and will
have a shorter life than a standby battery.
Do not use a maintenance-free or sealed
battery.
They are made of different
materials and will trigger a false "Battery
problem" alarm.
In addition, the battery fluid sensor and
cap are designed to fit the Basement
Watchdog batteries.
(As a safety pre-
caution, do not use the cap on batteries of
a different brand, and do not drill a hole in
the cap of another brand of battery to
accommodate the fluid sensor.)
PREPARING THE
BASEMENT WATCHDOG
STANDBY BATTERY
The Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour
Standby Battery is shipped dry (without
acid) so it never loses power before you
take it home. A battery is activated when
the acid is added, and then it slowly begins
to deteriorate as it ages. By adding the
acid just before use, the battery will always
be fresh.
Use 1.265 specific gravity
battery acid to fill the battery. It is available
where you purchased the battery.
IMPORTANT: REVIEW THE
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE YOU PROCEED
1. Place the battery box on the floor.
Position the battery box safety strap
under the box and through the loop on
the top of the battery box.
2. Place the dry (unfilled) battery into the
battery box. Remove the foil seal on the
top of the battery.
3. (a) Carefully push in the perforated tab
at the top of the acid pack. Pull up the
large tab and pull out the dispensing
hose. Hold the hose upright above the
pack and squeeze the hose forcing all
the acid back into the pack. Cut off the
tip of the hose.
(b) Position the acid
pack and battery as shown in picture 3b.
Insert the end of the hose into each cell.
Control the flow by pinching the hose
with thumb and forefinger. Fill each cell
of the battery to a level just covering the
battery plates, and then go back and top
off each cell equally. It is important to
have the cells filled equally. (c) The acid
should reach a level just below the cap
ring. (Diagram C)
A newly filled battery will sometimes
require additional acid after about ten
minutes. Re-examine the fill level and
add additional acid, if necessary. The
battery acid may bubble at this time and
give off a sulfur-like smell, but this is
normal. After the battery has been filled,
screw the caps on the top of the battery.
Always be careful and avoid contact with
skin, clothing, furniture or floor.
When you fill the battery for the first time,
it will be the only time you add acid to the
battery. When the fluid level is low, add
distilled water to the cells. Never add more
acid.
Page 7
2nd LEVEL
1st LEVEL
PLATES
CELL WALL
1. FILL TO 1st LEVEL, COVER THE PLATES
2. THEN FILL TO 2nd LEVEL, JUST BELOW
THE BOTTOM OF THE CAP RINGS
BATTERY TERMINALS
BATTERY CAP RINGS
CROSS SECTION OF BATTERY
Diagram C
1 & 2 3a
3b 3c