Standard “Field” Battery Testing Instructions

SOC140-255 Testing Instructions For Batteries “In The Field”

Record Battery Manufacturer’s Specs (tester input variables)

AHR Rating at the 20 HR rate________

Battery Voltage: 6 or 12  (circle one)

Step 1: Disconnect From Main/Parallel/Charging Source

Disconnect the battery to be tested from the charging source.  Disconnect any main power and/or parallel connections to other batteries.  Series connections do not need to be disconnected as long as main and charging circuits are disconnected. 

Step 2: Visually Inspection

Visually inspect the battery to be tested.

Verify any and all visible damage to the battery. Examples: Cracks in plastic case, bulging or swollen plates, any non-uniformity, corrosion, etc. If any visible damage is found, do not test.

If there is no visible damage present, continue to step 3

Step 3: Record Battery Temperature

(This is best achieved by use of an IR temp gun)

Record battery temp_________  If the temp of the battery is abnormally higher than the ambient room temperature, there is most likely internal damage.  Do not test.  If temp is normal, move on to Step 3.

Step 4: Select Appropriate “Battery Voltage”

Depress the appropriate “Battery Voltage” for the battery being tested. Select either 6 or 12 volts, as specified on the battery being tested.

Step 5: Connect Test Clips

Connect the black battery clip to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal on the battery. Connect the red battery clip to the POSITIVE (+) terminal on the battery. Ensure the battery clip connections are secure and have made good electrical connection. IMPORTANT: Do not block the air flow through the fan vents of the tester.

Step 6: Check Open Circuit Voltage Prior To Test

Record Pre-Test OCV__________

STEP 7: Set Battery AHR Rating to the 20hr Rate

Set the “Ampere Hour” knob to the ampere hour rating of the battery being tested. Ideally, this setting should be within .2 amperes of the rating of the battery. The display will indicate the rating as you adjust the knob. The ampere hour rating should be based on the standard 20 hour rate of the battery under test. This information can usually be found on the battery label.

STEP 8: Start The SOC Test

Depress the “Start Test” button momentarily. The “Test in Progress” light will blink indicating the test has begun.

Do not change “Ampere Hour” or “Battery Temperature” settings once the test has begun.

If the “Test in Progress” light does not blink, assure the cable connections have not been reversed and depress the “Start Test” button again.

If the test does not begin now, the battery being tested is nearly or fully depleted.

STEP 9: Observe Test Results

View and record voltage drop during test while load is applied.  Record the lowest voltage drop displayed on the “Voltage Analyzer” during test

Record Lowest Voltage Drop_______V

At the end of 43 seconds the tester will beep and the percentage of the battery being tested may be read. NOTE: If the LED display reads 110%, it is recommended the battery be tested again. It is necessary to sufficiently load the battery to obtain an accurate reading. Some marginal batteries may indicate 110% on the first test and a failing reading on the second test.

Record the SOC Testers Percentage Results_______%