Please note that the below procedure only applies to our Power Max conventional wet cell batteries. All of our MK, WestCo, and Universal batteries are sealed gel type batteries (no acid required) that come charged and ready to install.

TAKE GREAT CARE WHEN WORKING WITH YOUR BATTERY

Your battery contains electrolyte (sulfuric acid) which is highly toxic and very DANGEROUS if it comes into contact with any part of your body.  When transporting your battery, carry it level and away from your body.  Wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with your battery.

Batteries are also capable of delivering a very high current discharge.  All jewelry should be removed and other metal objects should be kept away from the battery to avoid shorting across the battery terminals. We also recommend using only insulated handled tools when working around your battery.

INITIAL FILLING OF YOUR BATTERY

Wet-Cell batteries are initially filled with electrolyte (sulfuric acid) which is very dangerous to the eyes and skin.  When working with sulfuric acid, you should observe the following precautions.

1.    Wear protective goggles to protect your eyes.  If you should splash acid in your eyes, hold your eyelids open while washing your eye with lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes.  You should also have someone contact your doctor immediately for further instructions while you are washing the affected area.  A neutral saline solution can also be used as directed by your physician.

2.    Wear rubber gloves that extend well past your wrists.  If you splash your skin area, flush continuously with lukewarm water continuously for at least 20 minutes and contact your doctor for further instructions.

You can purchase electrolyte at most AutoZone, O’Reilly, and CARQUEST auto parts stores.  Carefully, fill each battery cell with the electrolyte.  DO NOT OVERFILL.  Fill to a level that is just below the overfill line marked on the battery case.  Once the cells are properly filled, replace the caps. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY.

ADDING FLUID TO YOUR BATTERY IN THE FUTURE.

NOTE: YOU ONLY PUT THE ELECTROLYTE YOUR BATTERY ONCE.  Use distilled water to fill your battery cell chambers to the proper level in the future. Always keep your cell levels above the minimum mark and below the maximum mark (these marks are normally shown on the battery case).

CHARGING YOUR BATTERY

Both hydrogen and oxygen are emitted while batteries are charging.  Hydrogen is very flammable while oxygen supports combustion.  Therefore, you should always place your battery in a clean, well ventilated area when filling or charging your battery. Your chosen workspace should be free from any ignition sources such as welding, smoking, grinding, open flame, etc. 

NOTE: IF YOU CHARGE YOUR BATTERY AT TOO HIGH AN AMPERAGE YOU MAY CAUSE THE BATTERY TO OVERHEAT AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE.  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW REGARDING SAFE AMPERAGE CHARGE LEVELS FOR YOUR BATTERY.

INITIAL CHARGING PROCEDURE:  Once the electrolyte is in your battery and the battery caps are hand tightened, you should then charge your battery with a low-amperage battery charger.  We recommend that a battery should never be charged at amperage greater than 10% of the amp-hour rating of the battery.  For example, if you have a 10 amp-hour battery, a 1 amp battery charge is recommended.  A 5 amp-hour battery should be charged at a .5 amp rate.   You should allow approximately 10-12 hours to fully charge your battery. We also suggest using a charger that cuts off when your battery is fully charged.  

RECHARGING YOUR BATTERY:  When recharging your battery, your terminal and cable connections should always be clean and dry.  Your battery should be charged at no more than 10% of your battery’s amp-hour capacity.  Usually a 1 amp charge rate is sufficient.  We offer dual stage chargers that provide a 1 ampere charge rate or ½ ampere and then will trickle charge the battery as needed to keep the battery fully charged.  The charger has a green light which becomes illuminated when the battery is fully charged.  This type of charging is recommended for initial battery charging or when your recreational vehicle is not in use.  You can view this charger and leads by going to the link below.  This will keep your battery charged and ready for use at all times.  In extreme temperature environments, we recommend removing your battery and storing it in a dry area that is more temperature friendly (e.g., winter storage in colder climates).  Also, you can keep your battery charger/trickle charger connected during storage.  However, make sure you use a battery charger that cuts off automatically and then trickle charges when the battery is fully charged.

To review our full line of battery chargers Click Here