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Frequently Asked Questions
Select from the following list the category of your question or inquiry
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Batteries in General
What is the difference between freshening charge and equalization charge?
Freshening charge implies charging batteries during or after storage, when the voltage or specific gravity fall below a given level.
Equalizing charge is given to restore batteries that have been discharged or to restore voltages to batteries whose voltage has fallen outside of the recommended range.
This is general information. For specific information, see the Installation & Operating Instructions manual for the product.
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What does VLA stand for?
VLA stands for Vented Lead Acid batteries, sometimes referred to as Flooded batteries.
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What does VRLA stand for?
VRLA stands for Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries, sometimes referred to as Sealed batteries.
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How long can batteries be stored?
Batteries should be stored indoors, preferably at 77F (25C) or in a cool (60F to 85F), dry location and placed in service before the date stamped on the shipping carton. The indicated storage time is based on storage at 77F (25C); approximately 6 months for Lead Calcium alloy and approximately 3 months for Lead Antimony cells. See product manual for specific details.
Exercise caution when operating or storing batteries at low temperatures because of the possibility of electrolyte freezing. Although the specific gravity of a fully charged battery may present no freezing problem, the discharged specific gravity may. See product manual for more information.
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Do you have free software for sizing C&D batteries?
In the past, we offered a CD with software for sizing batteries. As of July 2002, we transferred the program to a web based application on a secure website. You can access it at www.cdpowercom.net. Click on REQUEST and the program will take you through the application process. Once your request is approved, you will receive your user name and password. Your user name is your email address. Please enter your email address carefully; it will be used to notify you.
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Charging
What is the recommended float charging voltage
for the DYNASTY valve regulated lead acid battery?
The float charging voltage is a function of the electrolyte
specific gravity and will be indicated on the battery label. The
DYNASTY VRLA batteries with an electrolyte specific gravity of 1.280
to 1.300 should be float charged at an average voltage of between
2.25 and 2.30 vdc per cell. For example, 10 each of the 12-volt
units connected in series as a 60 cell, 120-volt string should be
float charged at between 135 and 138 vdc. For additional information,
refer to pamphlet. "Constant Voltage Charger Selection" 41- 2129
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When is the DYNASTY VRLA battery to be
equalized?
When a system is initially installed it is recommended
that it be equalized at a voltage of 2.4 volts per cell average
for 12 to 24 hours. This practice will assure the system is fully
charged and also aid in minimizing the on charge voltage differences
between units in the same series string. Otherwise, equalization
should not be required.
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When should a DYNASTY VRLA battery be given a
freshening charge?
The term "freshening charge" usually relates to periodic
charging of batteries that are in inventory or storage. Twelve-volt
DYNASTY VRLA batteries should be given a freshening charge at 2.4
volts per cell average for 12 hours when their open circuit voltage
declines to an average of 2.08 volts per cell. For additional information,
refer to pamphlet "Self Discharge and Inventory Control" 41-7272
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Design - Components
Why is the electrolyte specific gravity
in the DYNASTY VRLA battery (1.300) higher than that used in an
automotive (SLI) battery (approximately 1.260)?
The sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in the
electrolyte is actually one of the three active materials in the
battery. By increasing the percent acid, or specific gravity, of
the electrolyte it increases the high rate performance and ampere-hour
capacity of the battery. However, increasing the electrolyte specific
gravity will also increase the open circuit voltage and required
charging voltage of the battery.
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How is the DYNASTY VRLA battery open circuit
voltage related to the electrolyte specific gravity?
The cell open circuit voltage (OCV) is approximately equal
to the electrolyte specific gravity (SG) number plus the number
0.84. For example, with an electrolyte SG of 1.300 the OCV will
be 2.14 (1.300 + 0.84).
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Discharging
During discharge of the battery string, one of
the individual batteries gets hot. What is wrong?
It is most probable that the "hot" unit has a shorted
cell or a low capacity cell that "reversed".
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What will happen if I take the battery to a lower
end point voltage then that recommended?
Potentially, some of the cells could "reverse". The active
material on the plates could be stressed and sloughed. This over-discharging
can reduce the life expectancy of the cell. If over-discharged at
a very low rate, the cell could become hydrated resulting in "through
separator shorts".
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Hazardous Materials
What materials are used in the DYNASTY VRLA battery?
The primary ingredients in the DYNASTY VRLA battery are
lead and acid. In general, the battery is approximately 72% lead
and lead compounds and 22% dilute sulfuric acid electrolyte by weight.
The other 6% of the weight consist of the separators, container,
vents etc. The electrolyte has a specific gravity of approximately
1.300 and is therefore, approximately 39% sulfuric acid by weight.
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Where can I get specific information on the volume
and weight of sulfuric acid in my DYNASTY VRLA battery?
Specific information is contained in the pamphlet titled
"DYNASTY VRLA BATTERY IMMOBILIZED ELECTROLYTE" - Refer to pamphlet
41-9702
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Installation
What codes or standards may be involved in the
installation of a DYNASTY VRLA battery system?
The battery system installation may be subject to local,
state and national building, fire and electrical codes. There are
also guides as published by the IEEE. Relevant codes and guides
may include, among others, the following:
- National Electric Code (NEC) Section 480 - Storage Batteries
- Uniform Building Code (UBC) Article 307
- Uniform Fire Code (UFC) Article 64
- IEEE -1187 "Recommended Practice for Installation of Valve
Regulated Lead Acid Batteries"
- OSHA 1926.403
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Liberty 2000
What is the maximum number of Liberty 2000 modules in one stack?
Liberty 2000 modules may be stacked up to 8 modules high maximum.
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msEndur
What is the maximum number of msEndur (AT) modules in one stack?
The msEndur (AT) modules may be stacked up to 8 modules high maximum.
For systems requiring NEBS qualification, there may be other height restrictions, depending on battery model.
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Periodic Maintenance
What codes or standards may be involved in the
maintenance of a DYNASTY VRLA battery system?
The battery system maintenance may be subject to local, state
and national codes depending on the application. There are also
guides as published by the IEEE. These codes and guides may include,
among others, the following:
- IEEE - 1188 "Recommended Practice for Maintenance
and Testing of Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries
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Racks
What are the replacement parts for RE02069 and RE02070 rail covers?
RE02446 rail cover replaces RE02069 (used on 1-5/8 x 1 rail RD00422). RE02447 rail cover replaces RE02070 (used on 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 rail RD00200).
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What are the part numbers for unistrut rail on racks?
RD00422-L is the C&D part number for 1-5/8 in. x 1 in. unistrut rail and RD00200-L is the C&D part number for 1-5/8 in. x 1-5/8 in. unistrut rail. L is the length in feet.
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Can RDB racks be upgraded from standard to seismic?
Yes, RDB series racks were designed to facilitate upgrading from Standard (Non-Seismic) to Earthquake-Protected (EP) racks. EP racks require additional frame bracing, battery constraints and spacer elements. Contact your C&D Representative for specific parts.
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Can lubricants be used for cell installation?
Do not use oil or grease as a lubricant for cell installation. Lubrication is usually not required due to the low friction interface of the insulating covers. If necessary, a small amount of water or unscented talcum can be applied to the rail covers to reduce friction.
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Do the RDB racks have provisions for grounding?
Rack grounding provisions are integrated into the base of each RDB series frame. Two thru holes are located at the center of the frames bottom cross member and may be used to secure a standard NEMA lug. These holes are 0.44 inch in diameter and 1 inch between centers.
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Safety
What materials are used in the DYNASTY VRLA battery?
The primary ingredients in the DYNASTY VRLA battery are lead
and acid. In general, the battery is approximately 72% lead and
lead compounds and 22% dilute sulfuric acid electrolyte by weight.
The other 6% of the weight consist of the separators, container,
vents etc. The electrolyte has a specific gravity of approximately
1.300 and is therefore, approximately 39% sulfuric acid by weight.
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Where can I get specific information on
the volume and weight of sulfuric acid in my DYNASTY VRLA battery?
Specific information is contained in the pamphlet titled "DYNASTY
VRLA BATTERY IMMOBILIZED ELECTROLYTE" - Refer to pamphlet 41-9702
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Standby Vented Cells
What is the standard orientation for MCTII cells?
The standard MCTII is installed with plates parallel to the rack rails. The MCTII is also available with plates perpendicular to the rack rails but it requires a different CW battery part number and different RD rack part number.
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When do I need to add water or electrolyte to cells?
CAUTION - Do not add water or electrolyte to cells, particularly before initial charging. Adjust electrolyte levels only when cells are fully charged and stabilized at float voltage.
Before adding water or acid to a battery, you must consider its condition and state of charge. For example, a new battery which has recently experienced vibration during shipment will appear to have a low electrolyte level. Do not add water or acid to cells unless the plates are uncovered. If the plates are covered by electrolyte, the battery should be placed on charge. (See product manual for charging instructions). The gases produced by charging will displace the electrolyte and raise it to an acceptable level between the high and low level marks on the container. Had the level been adjusted to the High mark before charging, charging could have caused the electrolyte to rise to a point where it could overflow through the vent or be forced up into the flame arrestor, requiring needless maintenance.
NOTE: Adding water to a battery to bring the initial electrolyte level up will reduce the specific gravity.
If, after charging, the electrolyte levels have not risen to between the high and low level lines, sulfuric acid of the same specific gravity may be added to bring levels to the high mark. Adding acid is a procedure that should be done only after consultation with C&D or performed by a C&D agent.
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I know there is a 3DCU battery model. Is there a 2DCU battery model?
Yes, C&D offers 2DCU-3, 2DCU-5, 2DCU-7, 2DCU-9 and 2DCU-11 batteries. The 2-cell version of the DCU consists of a 3-cell jar with one dummy cell. Its primary use is to complete a string where the number of cells required is not divisible by 3. For example, if a 58 cell string is required, it might consist of (18) 3-cell units and (2) 2-cell units. The 2DCU models were not designed to comprise an entire string.
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Storage and Inventory Control
How can I determine the age of a DYNASTY
VRLA battery?
Batteries shipped prior to Dec. 31, 1999 have a 3 digit
shipping code with the first digit being the year and the following
two being the month in which the battery was shipped from the factory.
For example, a code of 910 would be interpreted as 1999, October.
Batteries shipped on or after January 1, 2000 have a 4 digit shipping
code with the first two digits being the year and the following
two being the month in which the battery was shipped from the factory.
For example, a code of 0010 would be interpreted as 2000, October.
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Technical Support
Where do I call for technical support?
Dynasty Division, C&D Technologies, Technical Services Department
at 414-967-6505, 6512,6509 or 6540.
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Temperature Effects
How will temperature affect the discharge time
obtained from a DYNASTY VRLA battery system?
The battery operating time will increase somewhat for temperatures
above 77°F while the operating time will be decreased, significantly
in some cases, for operating temperatures below 77°F. Refer
to pamphlet "UPS Applications and VRLA Battery Sizing" 41-7373
for high rate-short duration applications. Refer to pamphlet "Communications
Applications and VRLA Battery Sizing" 41- 7361 for low rate-long
duration applications.
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Testing and Replacement
What useful tests can be performed on individual
DYNASTY VRLA batteries?
There are several tests, which can be performed on individual
batteries including:
- Open circuit voltage test - Reference 41-7264
- High rate momentary load test - Reference 41-7264
- Internal resistance / impedance / conductance test - Reference
41-7271 Capacity test - Reference 41-713
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Transportation
Can I take my wheelchair, scooter or other equipment
that is powered by a DYNASTY VRLA battery with me on the passenger
airplane and cruise ship?
There should be no problem if the battery is of the absorbed
glass mat (AGM) type - this includes the TEL, UPS, MPS and DCS
series. These series of DYNASTY VRLA batteries are classified
as "Battery, wet non-spillable, not subject to regulations" by
DOT and IMO. By IATA they are classified as "Not restricted for
air transport" and they are in compliance with IATA/ICAO special
provision A67.
However, it must be remembered that the carrier may have more
restrictive policies and they should be contacted prior to scheduling
and ticketing. Also, be aware that the "Captain" has the final
word on items carried on the aircraft/ship.
The gelled electrolyte DYNASTY VRLA batteries (GC and BBG series)
are not judged to be in compliance with IATA/ICAO special provision
A67. It is not recommended that they be shipped by "air". The
gelled electrolyte batteries are classified as "Battery, wet,
filled with acid, UN2794, Class 8". They must be treated in transportation
as though they were "wet" batteries. While they can be legally
shipped via air with special packaging etc., we do not recommend
it.
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