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Store batteries in the right way Storing batteries need a specific approach, different than storing other parts, because environmental conditions affect the life time of each battery.

Although today s technology ensures that batteries have a far longer shelf life than in the past, it is essential to take great care in the handling and storage of these products, so that the battery is at its best when it reaches the customer.

FIFO First-In First-Out Definition of FIFO: A stock management method in which batteries acquired first, are sold or installed first.

New stock should be placed at the back of the storage rack, so that older stock is used first. The delivery date for each battery should be considered during checking self-discharge and the oldest stock should always be brought to the front of the queue and used before any batteries with a later delivery date.

Check the state of charge of your batteries All batteries will slowly self-discharge over time, and it is very important to regularly check the voltage and to ensure that a charge is applied when the battery falls to 75% of its state of charge. Typically, with a lead-acid battery, this occurs at 12.5V. If the voltage should drop below this level, the battery will begin to sulphate.

Sulphation is a process which creates an oxidation layer on the negative plate that will inhibit the current flow and the battery will deteriorate. Recharging is important as soon as this level of self-discharge is discovered, or the capacity loss may be permanent.

Any battery that has dipped below 11.0V will have developed sulphation that will not be remedied by charging. So, it may not deliver the same performance and working life to the customer who purchases this product.

This check is also a good indicator of the age of stock which should ideally be installed within 15 months of the battery s manufacture. This will ensure that products are always in a ready-to-sell state.

Temperature The main factor affecting the self-discharge of batteries is the storage temperature. The higher the temperature, the faster self-discharge will occur.

At the other end of the scale, the storage of batteries in a cold environment, where temperatures drop below 0°C should be avoided, as partially discharged batteries risk freezing. This might cause permanent damage and the product will fail or have its working life adversely affected.

If the stock management practices above are followed with care, it should be easy to ensure that all product stock is maintained in a ready-to-sell state and losses through out-of- date or damaged products is kept to a minimum.

LEAD-ACID BATTERY STOCK MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

The voltage indicates the state of charge. Recharge every battery at 12.5V or below!

11.5V 12.7V12.5VVoltage

State of Charge

3

20°C

30°C

40°C

9 120 Time in Months

Te m

pe ra

tu re

6

Time (months)

Batteries discharge faster at high temperatures

The recommended storage temperature for batteries

is 20°C.