WARNING: FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHEN HANDLING BATTERIES! ALWAYS WEAR
SAFETY GLASSES AND A FACE SHIELD WHEN WORKING ON OR NEAR BATTERIES.
All batteries generate explosive hydrogen gas. Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from batteries at all
times. Do not connect or disconnect “live” circuits. To avoid creating sparks, always turn charging and testing
equipment off before attaching or removing clamps.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT GROUNDED CABLE FIRST AND CONNECT IT LAST TO PREVENT DANGEROUS SPARKS.
Perform all work in a well ventilated area. Never lean directly over a battery while boosting, testing or
charging it. PROTECT YOUR EYES!
Batteries contain corrosive sulfuric acid that can destroy clothing and burn the skin. Neutralize acid spills
with a paste made of baking soda and water or large quantities of water. Be careful!
Follow safety precautions — WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
1 To avoid a battery explosion, never attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow it to warm up to room
temperature before placing on charge.
2 Warning: Gel and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries require a voltage-limited charger. Charging a
Gel or AGM battery on a typical shop charger that exceeds 15.4 volts – even one time – may greatly
shorten its life.
3 Important: Never overcharge batteries. Excessive charging will shorten battery life.
Side Terminal Charging Posts should be used to ensure the best testing and charging results for side
terminal batteries. The charging posts will provide a flush lead-to-lead contact. Be sure to tighten the
charging post until it is snug and secure. This will allow a strong current to pass from the charging post to
the battery terminal.
Follow safety precautions — WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
Prior to any testing, visually inspect the battery. Look for:
• Cracked or broken case or cover
• Loose cable connections
• Leaking case-to-cover seal
• Corrosion
• Damaged or leaking terminals
Neutralize any corrosion with a baking soda/water paste or battery cleaner spray. Scrape or brush off the
residue and wash the area with clean water. Following your visual inspection, check the battery’s state of
charge with a voltmeter.
You must boost charge a weak battery before load testing. (See charging chart under “Charging Tips”
section.) If fully charged, perform a load test. PROTECT YOUR EYES!
Follow safety precautions —
WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
First perform an open circuit voltage test,
then an adjustable load test. A load test is
the best way to determine if the battery is
delivering adequate electrical performance.
Make sure your variable load tester is
working properly. When testing AGM
batteries, make sure the tester has an
AGM setting.
1 You can't load test a discharged battery.
If the voltage is below 12.4, be sure to
completely charge it before continuing. Refer to the charging chart under “Charging Tips” section for
important information.
2 To avoid sparking and explosive gasses, be sure load tester is OFF and battery is disconnected before
hook-up. Use computer memory saver to retain the vehicle’s electronic memory while the battery is
disconnected.
3 Connect the positive (+) tester clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal. Then connect the negative (–)
tester clamp to the negative (–) battery terminal. Always protect your eyes.
4 Set the tester for one-half the battery’s 0°F cold crank rating and apply the load for 15 seconds.
(If the CCA rating is unknown, use 1/2 of the minimum O.E. battery CCA requirement of the vehicle.)
5 Estimate the internal temperature of the battery to the nearest 10°F. Apply the load for 15 seconds.
Note the voltage at 15 seconds with the load on and immediately shut the load off. A reading at least
equal to the value from the chart above indicates a good battery.
6 If the battery did not meet the required voltage and if it was not charged in Step 1, completely recharge
the battery and repeat the test. If it still fails to meet requirements, replace the battery.
Follow safety precautions — WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
Conductance uses the battery’s response to a very small signal in an attempt to predict the effects of a much
larger current. Conductance testing is ineffective on a discharged battery. If the battery is known to be discharged
or if the tester tells the operator to charge before testing again, the battery must be completely recharged.
1 It may not be required to turn a conductance tester off or on. If off, you must turn on immediately when
connected to a battery. Most will turn off automatically if ignored long enough. Some have no battery of
their own and get all their power from the battery being tested.
2 Connect the positive (+) tester clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal. Then connect the negative
( –) tester clamp to the negative ( –) battery terminal. If the battery has more than one pair of terminals
(e.g. top posts and side terminals) always perform the testing on the terminals that are used in the
vehicle. Use the proper charging adapters for stud or side terminal batteries. Never connect tester to a
bolt or stud.
3 Turn on if needed. Enter the requested information. Be sure to distinguish between a CCA rating and a CA or
MCA rating. If no rating is available, use the minimum O.E. battery CCA requirement of the vehicle.
4 If the tester says to replace a battery that was tested in the vehicle, repeat the testing after removing
the cables and cleaning the posts.
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry area in an upright position. Never stack batteries directly
on top of each other unless they’re in cartons. Do not stack more than 3 high (2 high if battery type
is heavy commercial).
Test wet batteries every 4–6 months and recharge if necessary. Always test and charge if necessary
before installation. (See “Charging Tips” section)
1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5
CHARGING TIPS
6
ROTATE BATTERY STOCK
7
BATTERY STORAGE TIPS
2
IN-VEHICLE SERVICE AND TESTING
3
LOAD TESTING
4
CONDUCTANCE TESTING
AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY CARE & MAINTENANCE
SIDE TERMINAL
CHARGING POST
FULLY TIGHTEN FOR COMPLETE
LEAD-TO-LEAD CONTACT
BATTERY
BOLTS
BOLT
EXTENDERS
AGM 12-VOLT BATTERY CHARGING CONSIDERATIONS:
Ideal charging varies by application. Many common battery chargers are not fully compatible with AGM
batteries, however; they will not ruin the battery if used a few times over the battery’s lifetime in a vehicle.
Adversely, not all chargers are really AGM compatible and can do significant damage to an AGM battery.
Large “wheeled chargers,” found in many shops, which exceed 15.4 volts must be avoided. In the rare
occurrence that an AGM battery needs to be charged outside of the vehicle’s charging system, charging
voltage should be 13.8 –14.8 @ 77°F (25°C). Not to exceed 30 AMPS.
IMPORTANT: NEVER OVERCHARGE BATTERIES! EXCESSIVE CHARGING WILL SHORTEN BATTERY LIFE.
* Charging time depends upon battery age, temperature, capacity, and efficiency of charger.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS
WEAR EYE PROTECTION
www.eastpennmanufacturing.com
E.P.M. Part No. P121 Rev. 1/22 © 2022 by EPM Printed in U.S.A. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced, electronically or mechanically, without written permission from the company.
East Penn Manufacturing Co.
SIDE TERMINAL CHARGING
POST WITH EARS
DO NOT USE Battery Bolt Extenders or Battery Bolts for testing or
charging batteries. They do not provide the necessary lead-to-lead
contact, and can reduce your cold cranking amperage (CCA) and
state of charge readings. Batteries should be boost charged if the
open circuit voltage (voltmeter) reading is below 12.4 volts.
See charging chart below.
4 Prior to charging, read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charger hook-up and use.
5 Turn charger off prior to hook-up to avoid dangerous sparks. PROTECT YOUR EYES!
6 WARNING: If the electrolyte is accessible, verify that plates are covered before beginning to charge.
At the end of charge, add distilled water as needed to bring levels to the proper height. If water is added,
charge for an additional 30 minutes to mix. If electrolyte levels are low, but battery is not accessible,
remove battery from service.
7 The maximum charge rate in amperes should be no more than 1/3 of the battery’s reserve capacity
minute rating. If the terminal voltage exceeds 16.0 volts while charging, reduce the charge rate.
8 Continue charging and reduce the rate as needed until a two-hour period results in no increase in voltage
or decrease in current.
9 If violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs, or the battery case feels hot to the touch, temporarily
reduce or halt charging.
BATTERY
TEMPERATURE
12-VOLT
BATTERY
6-VOLT
BATTERY
70°F (21°C) or above 9.60 4.80
60°F (16°C) 9.50 4.75
50°F (10°C) 9.40 4.70
40°F (4°C) 9.30 4.65
30°F (–1°C) 9.10 4.55
20°F (–6°C) 8.90 4.45
10°F (–12°C) 8.70 4.35
0°F (–18°C) 8.50 4.25
VOLTAGE
STATE
APPROX. BATTERY CHARGING TIME *
FLOODED
AGM
OF
TO FULL CHARGE AT 80°F/27°C
CHARGE
CHARGER MAXIMUM RATE
6 Volt 12 Volt 12 Volt 50 Amps 30 Amps 20 Amps 10 Amps 2 Amps
6.3
12.6 12.8 V 100%
– FULL CHARGE –
6.2 12.4 12.6 V 75% 20 min. 35 min. 48 min. 90 min. 7.5 hrs.
6.1 12.2 12.3 V 50% 45 min. 75 min. 95 min. 180 min. 15 hrs.
6.0 12.0 12.0 V 25% 65 min. 115 min. 145 min. 280 min. 22.5 hrs.
5.9 11.8 11.8 V 0% 85 min. 150 min. 195 min. 370 min. 30 hrs.
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
2021
1/21 2/21 3/21 4/21 5/21 6/21 7/21 8/21 9/21 10/21 11/21 12/21
2022
1/22 2/22 3/22 4/22 5/22 6/22 7/22 8/22 9/22 10/22 11/22 12/22
2023
1/23 2/23 3/23 4/23 5/23 6/23 7/23 8/23 9/23 10/23 11/23 12/23
2024
1/24 2/24 3/24 4/24 5/24 6/24 7/24 8/24 9/24 10/24 11/24 12/24
2025
1/25 2/25 3/25 4/25 5/25 6/25 7/25 8/25 9/25 10/25 11/25 12/25
2026
1/26 2/26 3/26 4/26 5/26 6/26 7/26 8/26 9/26 10/26 11/26 12/26
2027
1/27 2/27 3/27 4/27 5/27 6/27 7/27 8/27 9/27 10/27 11/27 12/27
2028
1/28 2/28 3/28 4/28 5/28 6/28 7/28 8/28 9/28 10/28 11/28 12/28
2029
1/29 2/29 3/29 4/29 5/29 6/29 7/29 8/29 9/29 10/29 11/29 12/29
2030
1/30 2/30 3/30 4/30 5/30 6/30 7/30 8/30 9/30 10/30 11/30 12/30
Use oldest batteries first. Batteries require periodic stock rotation
and routine charging. Always rotate stock using the FIFO (First In,
First Out) method…NOT FISH (First In, Still Here).
REMEMBER…WET OR DRY,
ALWAYS ROTATE YOUR STOCK!
SHIPPING DATE CODE
