How do you know if those deep cycle batteries are still in good shape? Knowing their condition is important information that will help you get years of service. Measuring your battery bank monthly and tracking the results will help you manage this critical resource in your off grid power system. Below is a short video explaining how to make these measurements with a hydrometer (battery tester).
Keeping the regular testing schedule is important. I know because I went 6 months or more a few times between measurements and did have surprises. The main points to keep in mind are:
- Make measurements when your batteries are, or are near full charge. This is key for measuring the condition of a battery. We want to measure its condition, not whether it’s charged up.
- Hydrometers aren’t as common as the used to be. Now they can be found in auto parts stores.
- Proper care and cleanup will keep your hydrometer working for years, else the rubber rots in a few months.
- Inspect cables and connections for any signs of corrosion. This can be an insidious thief of your power as corrosion likes to grow from the connection up underneath the cable insulation!
If you’d like to see the measurements I’ve taken on our battery bank, here’s more on the topic . We’re working on our battery bank replacement plan this summer.
[ side note for dog lovers: Heidi, our chicken herding dog, managed to crawl into the background of the video.]
Do you have any battery acid surprise stories? You know, you were real careful, but somehow those jeans were never the same? Tell us in the comments below!
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