4 battery safety precautions, Battery safety precautions, Warning – Liebert 30-130kVA User Manual

Page 106

Advertising
background image

Maintenance

98

4.2.4 Battery Safety Precautions

Servicing of batteries should be performed or supervised by personnel experienced with batteries and

the required precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
When replacing batteries, use the same number and type of batteries.

Regular maintenance of the battery module is an absolute necessity. Periodic inspections of battery

and terminal voltages, specific gravity, and connection resistance should be made. Strictly follow the

procedures outlined in the battery manufacturer's manual. (See battery manufacturer’s web site.)
Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries do require periodic maintenance. Although they do not require

maintenance of electrolyte levels, visual inspections and checks of battery voltage and connection

resistance should be made.

Since individual battery characteristics are not identical and may change over time, the UPS module

is equipped with circuitry to equalize battery cell voltages. This circuit temporarily increases charg-

ing voltage to maintain flooded type battery cells at full capacity.

!

WARNING

Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials. Batteries must be handled, transported,

and recycled or discarded in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Because

lead is a toxic substance, lead-acid batteries should be recycled rather than discarded.
Do not dispose of battery or batteries in a fire. The battery may explode.
Do not open or mutilate the battery or batteries. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin

and eyes. It may be toxic.
A battery can present a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. The following

precautions should be observed when working on batteries:
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects.
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of batteries.
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.
• Determine if battery is inadvertently grounded. If inadvertently grounded, remove source

of ground. Contact with any part of a grounded battery can result in electrical shock. The

likelihood of such shock will be reduced if such grounds are removed during installation

and maintenance.

• Lead-acid batteries can present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen gas. In addi-

tion, the electrical connections must be protected against accidental short circuits which

can cause sparks. The following procedures should be followed:

• DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries.
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.
• Discharge static electricity from body before touching batteries by first touching a grounded

metal surface.

• After replacing battery jars in a battery cabinet, replace the retaining straps that hold the

jars in place on the shelves. This will limit accidental movement of the jars and connectors

should the cabinet ever need to be repositioned or relocated.

NOTE
Do not use cleaners on the batteries. Solvents can make the battery cases brittle. Use only a dry

cloth or a cloth moistened in water

NOTE
Do not use equalize charging with valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, such as those used in

Liebert Battery Cabinets.
Consult the battery manufacturer's manual for specific information about equalize charging.

Advertising