Basement Watchdog Emergency - Manual (Page 9)

Page 8
Battery Instructions
The Basement Watchdog Emergency Standby
Battery has been designed to run this system for
a minimum of six (6) hours continuously.
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 longer
in standby service.
To extend the run time of the pump, use the
Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour Standby Battery.
It will run this pump continuously for 12 hours.
Why will it run longer than 7.5 hours? Because
the 7.5 hour battery is rated for other Basement
Watchdog pumps that draw more power (amps).
The emergency pump puts less drain on the
battery, so the battery lasts longer.
• 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.
• The battery fluid sensor is designed to fit
the Basement Watchdog Standby batteries.
Measuring the battery fluid is one of the
most important features of the system,
since about 80% of backup sump pump
failures are the result of a battery that has
dried out.
• The internal construction of some wet cell
batteries may not be compatible with this
system. The use of a Basement Watchdog
battery is HIGHLY recommended.
Do not insert the fluid sensor into any
battery except a Basement Watchdog battery.
Do not drill a hole in another brand of
battery to accommodate the fluid sensor. Do
not use the enclosed battery cap on any
battery except a Basement Watchdog battery.
Do not drill a hole in the cap of another
brand of battery to accommodate the fluid
sensor. Batteries emit explosive gases,
which can cause serious injury or death.
PREPARING THE BASEMENT
WATCHDOG STANDBY BATTERY
The Basement Watchdog Standby batteries are
shipped dry (without acid) so they never lose
power before you take them 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.
NOTE: BASEMENT WATCHDOG BATTERIES NOW
COME IN TWO CONFIGURATIONS. THE TOPS OF
THE BATTERIES LOOK DIFFERENT, AND THE
DIRECTIONS FOR FILLING THE BATTERIES AND
CONNECTING THE FLUID SENSOR WILL VARY
SLIGHTLY. IF THE TOP OF YOUR BATTERY LOOKS
LIKE PHOTO A, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON
THIS PAGE. IF THE TOP OF YOUR BATTERY LOOKS
LIKE PHOTO B ON PAGE 9, FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 9.
Contains sulfuric acid. Wear eye and
clothing protection. If battery acid contacts
skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters eyes, flush
with water for 15 minutes, and get prompt
medical attention. Review the safety
instructions on page 1.
TO FILL THE BATTERY
1. Remove the cover of the battery box by
pushing in the tabs on the front and back of
the box and lifting up.
2. Place the battery box on the floor. Place the
dry (unfilled) battery into the battery box.
Remove the foil seal on the top of the battery.
3. Carefully push in the perforated tab at the top
of the acid pack. Lift 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.
4. Position the acid pack and battery as shown
at the right. Pinch the end of the hose
together and cut off the tip. 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 all the cells filled
equally or the battery will not operate
properly. The acid should reach a level about
¼” below the cap ring as shown in the
diagram below. DO NOT OVERFILL THE
BATTERY. (Diagram E)
A newly filled battery will sometimes require
additional acid after about 20 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 six (6) caps securely on the top of the battery.
When you fill the battery for the FIRST time,
it will be the ONLY time you add acid to the
battery. In the future, when the fluid level is
low, add distilled water to the cells. NEVER
add more acid.
Diagram E
CAUTION
! DANGER
! DANGER/POISON
4 BATTERY A
1. Fill to 1st level, cover
the plates
2. Then fill to 2nd level,
just below the bottom
of the cap rings
Diagram E
Do not throw an
old battery in the
trash. Take it to a
service station or
recycling center.
CAUTION
3
2
1