Equalizing batteries, Terminating the equalization process – Xantrex Technology FREEDOM SW 3000 User Manual
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Operating The Freedom SW 3000
Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for equalizing your
batteries. As a guide, a heavily used flooded battery may need to be
equalized once a month, and a battery in light service may only need to be
equalized every two to four months.
Measure the specific gravity (S.G.) of each cell using a hydrometer. For
fully charged lead-acid batteries, the reading should be approximately
1.265. Low specific gravity after charging or a 0.25 difference from cell to
cell indicates the need for equalization.
Equalizing Batteries
To equalize your batteries:
1.
Turn off or disconnect all loads on the battery.
The voltage applied to the battery during equalization may damage
your electronic equipment. As well, equalization won’t proceed
correctly if loads are drawing current from the battery.
2.
Check electrolyte level.
Fill with distilled water if the electrolyte level is low.
3.
To request the equalization charge, ensure the Charger is enabled.
4.
On the SCP, select Equalize on the Freedom SW 3000 home menu.
For detailed information on configuring this setting, refer to
“Equalize” on page 34.
5.
When equalization is finished, check the battery electrolyte level. Top
up as necessary with distilled water only and recheck the specific
gravity as specified by the battery manufacturer.
Terminating the Equalization Process
The equalization process can be terminated in three ways:
•
user cancellation from the SCP, as shown in Figure 24 on page 36,
•
inverter/charger cancellation if AC is removed or the charger is
disabled, or
•
a successful completion of the equalization process.
RISK OF DAMAGE TO DC LOAD EQUIPMENT
Equalization voltage may be as high as 15.8 volts DC. Disconnect
sensitive loads from the battery before equalizing.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and/or
damage other equipment.
IMPORTANT: Equalization will be carried out after an absorption charge.
Equalization only runs for 60 minutes and may need to be restarted if the
specific gravity is still uneven.