Testing a Battery and the BLS

This page is a technical page. You should have some experience as a mechanic and in handling batteries before you attempt to apply the data on this page.

If you don't have the experience, ask a friend who does to help you, or as a last resort, take your batteries to dealer and have it done.

WARNING!

BATTERY ACID IS VERY DANGEROUS IF MISHANDLED. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN WORKING WITH BATTERY ACID. ALWAYS WASH UP WITH HOT SOAP AND WATER WHEN YOU ARE DONE. IF YOU SPILL ANY BATTERY ACID ON YOUR CLOTHES, WASH THEM IMMEDIATELY WITH HOT SOAPY WATER OR THEY WILL HAVE HOLES IN THEM THE NEXT DAY. BE SURE TO BE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA.

The Best Test

The best way to determine if the Battery Life Saver electronic device is working, is to install the unit on your application and use the system as you normally would. After 2 to 4 weeks, ask yourself if the system is performing better. You should experience longer run time and shorter charging time. If you are using it on a golf cart, fork lift, or electric vehicle, in most cases the vehicle will be running faster and longer.

Technical testing

You will need the following equipment to do the tests:

• An accurate digital voltmeter. You can get one from Radio Shack. If you want the best get a Fluke.
• A battery hydrometer. This is a device for measuring the specific gravity, i.e. the strength of the battery acid.

You should start the test before using BLS for the first time.

IMPORTANT: If you are using the BLS on an old battery, first check the battery for a short or open cell. Click Here for instructions to perform this test.

 

1. Measure and record the battery voltage. It should measure approximately 12.7 volts. (This is assuming you are starting with a functioning battery.)
2. Measure and record the specific gravity of each cell in the battery. (If you have a maintenance free battery, you are out of luck, you can't do this test.) The specific gravity of a new battery should be 1.300. If your battery is two years old, the specific gravity may be around 1.150 - 1.200. A battery in poor condition that is about to fail may be as low as 1.100.
3. Record the date of this test. Save the report for later reference.
4. Every 14 days, repeat steps 1,2 and 3. You will see the specific gravity gradually increase until it reaches that of a new battery.

State of Charge Charts

12 Volt Battery

 

Digital Voltmeter  Open Circuit Voltage	Approximate  State-of-Charge  at 80°F (26.7°C)	Hydrometer Average  Cell Specific Gravity	Electrolyte Freeze Point
12.65	100%	1.265	-77°F (-67°C)
12.45	75%	1.225	-35°F (-37°C)
12.24	50%	1.190	-10°F (-23°C)
12.06	25%	1.155	15°F (-9°C)
11.89 or less	DISCHARGED	1.120 or less	20°F (-7°C)

 

6 Volt and 8 Volt Batteries

 

Digital Voltmeter  Open Circuit Voltage 6V-8V	Approximate  State-of-Charge  at 80°F (26.7°C)	Hydrometer Average  Cell Specific Gravity	Electrolyte Freeze Point
6.33 - 8.55	100%	1.265	-77°F (-67°C)
6.23 - 8.30	75%	1.225	-35°F (-37°C)
6.12 - 8.16	50%	1.190	-10°F (-23°C)
6.03 - 8.04	25%	1.155	15°F (-9°C)
5.95 - 8.00 or less	DISCHARGED	1.120 or less	20°F (-7°C)