Pure Lead/Tin
Plates,
AGM (not Gel)
(AGM)
1. Inspect: Check battery terminals, sides, top, & bottom for damage,
cracks, etc. Do not charge a damaged battery.
2. Voltage: Recharge if voltage is < 12.65 volts
3. Charging: Use a charger designed for sealed, AGM batteries.
Voltage should peak and then hold between 14.4 to15.0 VDC Charge
for 1 hour after current drops below 3 amps.
4. Check voltage after re-charge. Let battery rest for at least 8 hours.
A fully charged Optima will have an open circuit voltage of:
Red Top > 12.85 volts, Yellow Top >13.0 volts
5. Test: Use your organizations approved tester.
Load Test: Discharge at approximately ½ battery rated CCA for 15
seconds. On a good battery, volts at 15 seconds should be > 9.6 V.
Conductance: Digital conductance type testers calculate theoretical
CCA & health readings. On a good Optima the CCA value is typically
10% to 20% higher than the battery’s actual CCA label rating. We
always recommend you charge before any testing.
****WHEN TESTING ANY BATTERY HAVING THREADED
STUD TERMINALS, NEVER CONNECT A DIGITAL
CONDUCTANCE TESTERS’ CLAMPS TO THE THREADED
STUDS! YOU MUST USE SCREW-ON LEAD ADAPTERS.
FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN BAD TEST RESULTS
(usually a very low CCA reading)
Maintenance
Basic Battery Care
On receipt of new battery:
Batteries can be stored in warehouses for a
long time. If voltage is less than 12.7 volts
recharge before installation.
Stored or infrequently used equipment:
El
ectronics and high temperatures accelerate
battery discharge on equipment. If possible
check battery voltage every 3 to 6 months.
Recharge when volts drop below 12.6 (25.2 volts
for a 24V pack).
NOTE: A maintenance charger (Solar or AC
power) can keep your batteries fully charged, &
ready to work. They also extend battery life. We
have a list of solutions with NSNs.
Optima batteries can often be recovered from
deep-discharge and sulfation conditions that
kill flat plate batteries. Contact us for info
and charger recommendations.
Alternative to
expens
ive
6T-AGM
batteries in
some
equipment
Military shops
can
buy direct
from
Milbatteries at
discounted
prices!
www.milbatteries.com
970-586-0660