Re: Battery Load Testing

[Jim <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

On May 11, 6:04=EF=BF=BDpm, JoeRaisin <joerai...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> When performing PM services, how you you guys load test sealed lead acid
> batteries?
>
> I'm seeing two schools of thought around here:
>
> Some say to disconnect the AC from the panel and let it sit for one
> minute, then check to ensure the battery has dropped less than 1 volt.
>
> Some say to disconnect the battery from the panel check the voltage the
> battery holds at, connect a 1 amp load for a minute, remove the load and
> ensure the voltage has dropped less than 1 volt.
>
> For the most part I am talking about household systems generally using
> FA162's-168's or commercial situations using fire rated vista's or first
> alerts.
>
> Thoughts?

I have a 10 Ohm 25 watt, wirewound resistor with clipleads soldered on
the end.

Disconnect the battery from the panel, put your volt meter across the
battery terminals. (should read something over 12 volts) Clip the
resistor across the battery terminals. Watch the voltmeter. If the
reading goes below 12 volts within aprox a minute, change the
battery.

Watch it .......... the resistor gets hot.