WHAT IS ACID
Refers to sulfuric acid (H2SO4), or a mixture of sulfuric acid and water - the active component of the electrolyte.

WHAT IS ACTIVE MATERIAL

Indicates the active portion of the battery plates; peroxide of lead on the positives and spongy metallic lead on the negative.

ALTERNATING CURRENT:
Electric current, which unlike direct current, rapidly reverses its direction or "alternates" in polarity so that it doesn't charge a battery.

AMPERE:
The unit that measures the rate of flow of electric current.

AMPERE HOUR:
It is the amount of energy charge in a battery that will allow one ampere of current to flow for one hour.

BUCKLING:
Warping or bending of the battery plates.

BATTERY CAPACITY:
The number of ampere-hours that a battery can supply at a given rate of current flow after being fully charged. e.g., a battery may be capable of supplying 8 amperes of current for 10 hours before it is exhausted. Its capacity is 80-ampere hours at the 10 hours rate of current flow. It is necessary to state the rate of flow, since same battery if discharged at 20 amperes would not last for 4 hours but for a shorter period, say 3 hours. Hence, its capacity at the 3 hour rate would be 3x20=60 ampere hours.

CHARGE:
Passing direct current through a battery in the direction opposite to that of discharge, in order to restore the energy used on discharge.

CHARGE RATE:
The rate of current that is required for charging a battery from an external source. The rate is measured in amperes and varies for cells of different size.

CORROSION:
It is the erosion of metal parts on exposure by acid from the electrolyte.

CYCLE:
One discharge and charge.

DENSITY:
Specific gravity

DISCHARGE:
The flow of current from a battery through a circuit, opposite of "charge."

ELEMENT:
Positive group, negative group and separators.

EVAPORATION:
Loss of water from electrolyte due to heat or charging.

FILLING PLUG:
The plug that fits in and closes the orifice of the filling hollow in the cell cover.

FRESHENING CHARGE:
A charge given to an idle battery to keep it fully charged.

GASSING:
Emission of oxygen at the positive plates and hydrogen at negatives, which begins when charge is nearing completion.

GRAVITY:
A contraction of the term "specific gravity," which means the density compared to water as a standard.

GRID:
The metal framework of a plate that supports the active material and is provided with a lug for conducting the current.

GROUP:
A set of plates, either positive or negative, joined to a strap. Groups do not include separators.

HOLD DOWN:
Device to keep separators in place.

HOLD DOWN CLIPS:
Brackets for the attachment of bolts for holding the battery securely in position within the car.

HYDROMETER:
An instrument for measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

HYDROMETER SYRINGE:
A glass barrel enclosing a hydrometer and provided with a rubber bulb for drawing up electrolyte.

LUG:
The extension from the top frame of each plate, connecting the plate to the strap.
Maximum Gravity: The highest specific gravity to which the electrolyte will reach by continued charging, indicating that no acid remains in the plates.

NEGATIVE:
The terminal of a source of electrical energy as a cell, battery or generator through which current returns to complete circuit. Generally marked "Neg."

OVER DISCHARGE:
The carrying of discharge beyond proper cell voltage; this activity shortens battery life, if carried far beyond proper cell voltage and done frequently.

PASTE:
The mixture of lead oxide or spongy lead and other substances, which is put into grids.

PLATE:
The combination of properly "formed" grid and paste. Positive are reddish brown and negatives slate gray.

POLARITY:
A battery has two poles with opposing attributes. The positive terminal (or pole) of a cell or battery or electrical circuit is said to have positive polarity; the negative terminal has negative polarity.

POSITIVE TERMINAL: The terminal of a source of electrical energy as a cell, battery or generator from which the current flows. It is generally marked "Pos.".

POST:
The portion of the strap extending through the cell cover, by means of which connection is made to the adjoining cell or to the car circuit.

POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE:
Abbreviated P. D. and found on test curves. The term is synonymous with voltage.

RATE:
Number of amperes (rate of flow of electricity) for charge or discharge. Also used to express time for either.

REVERSAL:
Reversal of polarity of cell or battery, due to excessive discharge, or charging in the wrong direction.

SEPARATOR:
An insulator between plates of opposite polarity; usually of wood, rubber or a combination of both. Separators are generally corrugated or ribbed to insure proper distance between plates and to avoid too much displacement of electrolyte.

SHORT CIRCUIT:
A low-resistance connection between two points in an electric circuit. Short circuit happens when the current tends to flow through the area of low resistance, bypassing the rest of the circuit.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
The density of the electrolyte compared to water as a standard. It indicates the strength of the electrolyte and is measured by the hydrometer.

STRAP:
The leaden casting to which the plates of a group are joined.

SULPHATE:
Common term for lead sulphate (PbSO4.)

SULPHATED:
Term used to describe cells in an under-charged condition, from either over- discharging without corresponding long charges or from remaining idle for a specific time and being self discharged.

TERMINAL:
It is the electrical connection from the battery to the external circuit. Each terminal is connected to either the positive (first strap) or negative (last strap) in the series connection of cells in a battery.

VENT PLUG OR VENT CAP:
Hard or soft rubber/ plastic part inserted in cover to retain atmospheric pressure within the cell, while preventing loss of electrolyte from spray. It allows gases formed in the cell to escape, prevents electrolyte from spilling, and keeps dirt out of the cell.

VOLT/VOLTAGE:
It is the electrical unit of pressure in an electric circuit. Voltage is measured by a voltmeter. It is analogous to pressure or head of water flow through pipes. NOTE. - Just as increase of pressure causes more volume of water to flow through a given pipe, so increase of voltage (by putting more cells in circuit) will cause more amperes of current to flow in the same circuit. Decreasing size of pipes increases resistance and decreases flow of water. Introduction of resistance in an electrical circuit decreases current flow with a given voltage or pressure.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY OLD DEAD BATTERY?
The next time you go to your nearest dealer to buy a new lead acid battery for your vehicle, Inverter or UPS, please ensure you return your old battery to the a battery vendor.Your dealer will allow you a Scrap Rebate or Discount on the Price of the new battery. Returning the Old Battery is now mandatory under the Government of India, and is encouraged worldwide.

WHAT ARE BATTERIES HANDLING & USAGE RULES:
In India, Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the final rules known as batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 on May 16, 2001 in order to regulate the collection and recycling of the used lead-acid batteries in the country. Lead is one of the metals well known for its potential to cause environmental and health hazards. The disposal of used lead-acid batteries has been a major environmental problem world-wide. Used lead-acid batteries have been a major environmental threats thus world-wide and require specialized disposing and recycling method.

The Rules make it mandatory for consumers to return used batteries and make manufacturers/assemblers/re-conditioners/importers responsible for collection of batteries and ensuring their onward transport to recyclers who are registered with Ministry of Environment and Forests based, inter-alia, on their possessing environmentally sound technology for processing lead acid batteries.

As a result, backyard smelting of lead acid batteries with attendant lead emissions to the atmosphere, discharge of acid into open ground/sewers and loss of lead due to poor recovery (30-40%) wound come down substantially. Manufacturers etc. are required to set up
collection centers for collection of used batteries.

Batteries sold to bulk consumers such as central/state government departments, state road transport undertakings and original Equipment Manufacturers such as automobile manufacturers have been excluded from the obligation for collection.

It has been provided that bulk consumers/auctioneers could auction used batteries only to the registered recyclers and small scale manufacturers are at liberty to procure recycled lead from the registered recyclers.

Dealers have also been assigned responsibility for collection. Auction of used lead acid batteries by bulk consumers or auctioneers could be made only in favor of registered recyclers.

Since Ministry of Environment and Forests already has a schedule for registering re processors of used lead acid batteries, only those re processors who have not applied to Ministry of Environment and Forests already are required to apply for registration.

ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS & CAUTIONS IN BATTERY HANDLING?
Use extreme care when handling acid. If electrolyte is spilled or splashed onto clothing or the body, wash with water and neutralize with a solution of baking soda and water. Electrolyte splashed into eyes is extremely dangerous. If this occurs, gently open eyes and wash with cool clean water for 5 minutes and call the doctor.

If someone swallowed the electrolyte, make the subject drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil and immediately call a doctor.

If it is necessary to prepare electrolyte, always add concentrated acid to water. Never add water to acid. Store electrolyte in plastic containers with sealed cover. Do not store in the sun. Batteries generate explosive gases during vehicle operation and when charged separately. Flames, sparks, burning cigarettes or other ignition sources must be kept away at all times. Always shield eyes when working near batteries. When charging batteries, work in a well ventilated area - never in closer room. Always turn battery charger or ignition off before disconnecting a battery.

Before you start, always check the type of grounding system the vehicle has. If you remove the positive connector first in a negative ground system, you risk the chance of creating a spark. That could happen if the metal tool you're using to remove the positive terminal connector comes in contact with any piece of metal on the car. If you are working near the battery when this occurs, it might create an ignition source that could cause the battery to explode. It's extremely important to remove the ground source first.

Hot temperatures will deteriorate a battery's life quicker by evaporating the water from the electrolyte, and corroding and weakening the positive grids.

WHAT IS AN INVERTER?
An inverter takes DC power (battery or solar, for example) and converts it into AC "household" power for running electronic equipment and appliances.

HOW IS AN INVERTER DIFFERENT FROM AN UPS:
A UPS typically includes the battery and battery charger in one stand-alone unit. However, there are UPS systems that use external batteries, and Power Stream makes inverters with battery chargers, so the differences blur as features proliferate.

HOW MUCH POWER DOES AN INVETER BATTERY CONSUME?
If you connect a 850W coffee machine to a sine wave inverter, consumption will be 850W divided by the voltage of the electrical system (12V) = 70 Amperes. Add another 8% (100%-92% =8%) to this total for the inverter consumption. The total power consumption is then 70 Amperes + 6 Amperes = 76 Amperes. Of course a coffee machine is only in use for about 10 minutes so the actual Ampere consumption is relatively low (76 x 10 min = 13Ah).

HOW TO DETERMINE CONTINIOUS LOAD & STARTING LOAD:
You need to determine how much power your tool or appliance (or combination of them that you would use at the same time) requires to start up (starting load), and also the continued running requirements (continuous load). What is meant by the terms "continuous-2000 watts" and "peak surge-4000 watts" is that some appliances or tools, such as ones with a motor, require an initial surge of power to start up ("starting load" or "peak load"). Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate ("continuous load")

WHAT ARE GENERAL ENEREGY FORMULAS:
To Convert AMPS to WATTS:
Multiply: AMPS * AC (voltage) * η (efficiency of Inverter) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of the appliance

To calculate approximate Start up Load:
Multiply: WATTS * 2 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, though some may require an even greater starting load.

Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating.

Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it. Generally AGM batteries have about 20% less capacity, cost about two times more, and have a shorter cycle life than comparable flooded lead acid batteries. However, AGM batteries do not need watering, are safer (no acid spilling out), can be placed in a variety of positions, have a slower self-discharge characteristic, and are more efficient in charging and discharging than flooded batteries . Tubular and flat plate deep cycle batteries are more suitable for applications whereas AGM batteries are more for light cycling applications where power cut duration are low.

WHAT VOLTAGE SYSTEM IS BETTER? A LOW OR HIGH DC?

Higher-voltage systems tend to be more efficient and put a lower load on the batteries. Factors other than the battery enter into the system's overall efficiency. Its why, you may soon encounter a 36 volt battery available in the market.

DOES TEMPRATURE AFFECT MY BATTERY?

At higher temperatures (above 27oC) battery capacity generally increases, usually at the cost of battery life. Higher temperatures also increase the self-discharge characteristic. Colder temperatures (below 27oC) will lower battery capacity and prolong battery life. Cooler temperatures will slow self-discharge. Therefore, operating batteries at temperatures at or slightly below 27oC will optimize both performance and life.

HOW DO I DETERMINE MY BATTERY CAPACITY IN COLD OR HOT WETHER?

Battery capacity is basically a linear relationship. A good rule of thumb is that for every 1oC above 27oC, capacity is increased by 0.5% and for every 1oC below 27oC; capacity is reduced by 0.5% rated battery. Battery capacity is basically a linear relationship. A good rule of thumb is that for every 1oC above 27oC, capacity is increased by 0.5% and for every 1oC below 27oC; capacity is reduced by 0.5% rated battery.

WHEN SHOULD I WATTER MY BATTERY?

Water is lost during charging. Therefore, the best time to water your batteries is always at the end of the charge cycle. However, if the electrolyte level is extremely low or the plates are exposed to air, add some water to cover the plates before starting the charge cycle. After addition of water, continue change at a low rate for some more time to allow electrolyte mixing.

WHAT ELECTOLYTE LEVEL SHOULD I MAINTAIN?

Liquid levels should be 1/8 inch below the bottom of the vent well (the plastic tube that extends into the battery). The electrolyte level should not drop below the top edge of the plates.

CAN MY BATTERY FREEZE DURING COLD?

The only way that a battery can freeze is if it is left in a state of partial or complete discharged. As the state of charge in a battery decreases, the electrolyte becomes more like water and the freezing temperature increases. The freezing temperature of the electrolyte in a fully charged battery is -68.88oF. At a 40% state of charge, electrolyte will freeze if the temperature reaches approximately -8.88oF.

WHAT COMMON MISTAKES CAN I MAKE IN HANDLING & USING BATTERY?

a) Undercharging:
Generally caused by not allowing the charger to restore the battery to full state of charge after use. Continually operating the battery in a partial state of charge, or storing the battery in discharged state results in the formation of lead sulfate compounds on the plates. This condition is known as sulfation. Both of these conditions reduce the battery's performance and may cause premature battery failure. Undercharging will also cause stratification.

b)Overcharging:
Continuous charging causes accelerated corrosion of the positive plates, excessive water consumption, and in some cases, damaging temperatures within a lead acid battery. Deep cycle batteries should be charged after each discharge of more than 50% of the batteries rated capacity, and/or after prolonged storage of 45 days or more.
Under watering: In deep cycle, lead acid batteries water is lost during the charging process. If the electrolyte level drops below the tops of the plates, irreparable damage may occur. Water levels should be checked and maintained routinely.

c) Over-watering:
Excessive watering of a battery results in additional dilution of the electrolyte, resulting in reduced battery performance. Additionally, watering the battery before charging may result in electrolyte overflow and unnecessary additional maintenance.

CAN I REDUCE MAINTENANCE NEED BY NOT GASSING MY BATTERY?

You will reduce the frequency of watering, but will cause a condition known as stratification where the specific gravity of the electrolyte is light at the top of the battery and heavy at the bottom. This condition results in poor performance and reduced battery life. The higher concentration of electrolyte at the bottom causes heavy sulfation on the bottom part of the plates. The lower concentration of the electrolyte at the top causes hydration at the top part of the plates.

WHAT IS JUMP START?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ACCIDENTLY DISCHAGED BATTERY & NOW ENGINE DOES NOT START?

You can jump start you vehicle with the help of another vehicle's battery. The process is called jump-starting. Make sure following while jump starting a vehicle:

Ensure that vehicle battery and battery for jump-starting have the same declared voltage (say 12V)

Turn off all electrical loads, check vehicles – no part should be touching each other and gear should be in neutral position

Vehicles should have the same terminal earthed, if not, refer to manufacturers' instructions.

Make sure that cables are not frayed or damaged.