IEEE STD 937™-2019

IEEE Recommended Practice
STANDARDS
for Installation and Maintenance
of Lead-Acid Batteries for
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21
Developed by the
IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21 on Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics,
Dispersed Generation, and Energy Storage
IEEE Std 937™-2019

(Revision of IEEE Std 937-2007)
Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Canberra. Downloaded on April 29,2020 at 10:44:05 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
IEEE Std 937™-2019
(Revision of IEEE Std 937-2007)

Developed by the
IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21

on
Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Dispersed Generation, and Energy Storage
Approved 7 November 2019
IEEE SA Standards Board
Abstract: Design considerations and procedures for storage, location, mounting, ventilation,
assembly, and maintenance of lead-acid storage batteries for photovoltaic power systems are
provided in this standard. Safety precautions and instrumentation considerations are also included.
Even though general recommended practices are covered, battery manufacturers may provide
specific instructions for battery installation and maintenance.
Keywords: battery installation, battery maintenance, IEEE 937™, photovoltaic power system,

sizing lead-acid battery
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5
Participants
At the time this IEEE recommended practice was completed, the Energy Storage Subsystems Working Group
had the following membership:
Mark Siira, Chair
Curtis Ashton Jim McDowall Philip Undercuffler

Christopher Searles
The following members of the individual Standards Association balloting group voted on this recommended
practice. Balloters may have voted for approval, disapproval, or abstention.
Ali Al Awazi Peter Kelly Kenneth Sanders

Curtis Ashton Jim Kulchisky Bartien Sayogo
Thomas Basso Chung-Yiu Lam Robert Schuerger
Robert Beavers Albert Livshitz Christopher Searles
Wallace Binder Jose Marrero Daniel Seidel
Gustavo Brunello Jim McDowall Robert Seitz
Demetrio Bucaneg Jr Peter McNutt Nikunj Shah
William Byrd James Midolo Jerry Smith
William Cantor Sepehr Mogharei Gary Smullin
Randall Crellin Michael Newman Wayne Stec
Jesus De Leon Diaz Michael Nispel Joseph Stevens
Davide De Luca Michael O’Brien Julius Susanto
Neal Dowling Lorraine Padden Demetrios Tziouvaras
Donald Dunn Bansi Patel Stephen Vechy
Kevin Fellhoelter Christopher Petrola Srinivasa Vemuru
Rostyslaw Fostiak Robert Rallo John Vergis
Jalal Gohari Charles Rogers Jane Verner
Randall Groves Ryandi Ryandi Dr. Simon Wall
Werner Hoelzl Kenneth White
Richard Jackson Jian Yu
When the IEEE SA Standards Board approved this recommended practice on 7 November 2019, it had the
following membership:
Gary Hoffman, Chair

Ted Burse, Vice Chair
Jean-Philippe Faure, Past Chair
Konstantinos Karachalios, Secretary
Masayuki Ariyoshi David J. Law Annette D. Reilly

Stephen D. Dukes Joseph Levy Dorothy Stanley
J. Travis Griffith Howard Li Sha Wei
Guido Hiertz Xiaohui Liu Phil Wennblom
Christel Hunter Kevin Lu Philip Winston
Joseph L. Koepfinger* Daleep Mohla Howard Wolfman
Thomas Koshy Andrew Myles Feng Wu
John D. Kulick Jingyi Zhou
*Member Emeritus
6
Introduction
This introduction is not part of IEEE Std 937-2019, IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of
Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
This recommended practice provides design considerations and procedures for storage, location, mounting,
ventilation, assembly, and maintenance of lead-acid storage batteries for photovoltaic power systems.
Safety precautions and instrumentation considerations are also included. While this document gives general
recommended practices, battery manufacturers may provide specific instructions for battery installation and
maintenance.
While there are other IEEE standards that cover lead-acid battery installation and maintenance, they are
generally designed for other types of applications, such as float-service, utility grid-tied applications. This
document provides information for installation and maintenance of lead-acid batteries in photovoltaic
applications that are characterized by nongrid connected, cycling service. These procedures also reflect
consideration of the typically remote nature of photovoltaic applications.
7
Contents
1. Overview�� 9
1.1 Scope�� 9
1.2 Purpose�� 9
2. Normative references�� 9
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations�� 10

3.1 Definitions�� 10
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations�� 11
4. Safety�� 11
4.1 Introduction�� 11
4.2 Protective equipment�� 11
4.3 Safety procedures�� 11
5. Installation design criteria�� 13

5.1 Introduction�� 13
5.2 Enclosure�� 13
5.3 Battery support structure�� 14
5.4 Electrical�� 15
5.5 Seismic�� 15
6. Installation procedures6�� 15

6.1 Receiving and storage�� 15
6.2 Battery support structure assembly�� 16
6.3 Battery mounting and connections�� 16
6.4 Preoperational checks�� 17
6.5 Initial charging procedure�� 18
6.6 Final connections�� 18
7. Maintenance�� 18
7.1 General�� 18
7.2 Inspections�� 18
7.3 Corrective actions�� 20
8. Recycling�� 21
Annex A (informative) Activation of dry-charged cells�� 22
Annex B (informative) Bibliography�� 23
8
1. Overview
1.1 Scope
This recommended practice provides design considerations and procedures for storage, location, mounting,
ventilation, assembly, and maintenance of lead-acid storage batteries for photovoltaic power systems. Safety
precautions and instrumentation considerations are also included.
While this document gives general recommended practices, battery manufacturers may provide specific
instructions for battery installation and maintenance.
1.2 Purpose
This recommended practice is meant to assist lead-acid battery users to properly store, install, and maintain
lead-acid batteries used in residential, commercial, and industrial photovoltaic systems.
2. Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document (i.e., they must
be understood and used, so each referenced document is cited in text and its relationship to this document is
explained). For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments or corrigenda) applies.
Accredited Standards Committee C2-2017, National Electrical Safety Code®(NESC®).1
1
The NESC is available from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (http://standards.ieee.org/).
9
IEEE Std 937-2019
IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. The IEEE Standards Dictionary
Online should be consulted for terms not defined in this clause. 2
battery capacity: The quantity of electrical energy, measured in ampere-hours or watt-hours, produced by a
battery during discharge.
dry-charged cell: A cell that has been assembled with its plates dry, and in a charged state, ready to be activated
by the addition of electrolyte and charging.
equalizing voltage: A charge, at a level higher than the normal float voltage, applied for a limited period of
time, to correct inequalities of voltage, specific gravity, or state of charge that may have developed between the
cells during service.
freshening charge: A charge given to a battery following its nonuse or storage in order to return it to a near
maximum state of charge and to mitigate the effects of self-discharge.
NOTE—Freshening charges are sometimes performed using the manufacturer’s recommended equalization or cycle
service charging voltage.3
life: The period during which a battery is capable of delivering at least a specified percentage of its rated
capacity, often 80%. See also: service life.
pilot cell: A cell chosen to represent the operating parameters of the entire battery or a subset of the battery.
NOTE—Multiple pilot cells may be used.
rated capacity: The capacity assigned to a cell by its manufacturer for a given discharge rate, at a specified
electrolyte temperature, to a given end-of-discharge voltage.
service life: The period of useful operation under specified conditions, usually expressed as the time period
or number of cycles that elapse before the ampere-hour capacity falls to a specified percentage of the rated
capacity.
valve-regulated lead-acid cell (VRLA): A lead-acid cell that is sealed with the exception of a valve that
opens to the atmosphere when the internal gas pressure in the cell exceeds the atmospheric pressure by a
preselected amount. Valve-regulated cells provide a means for recombination of internally generated oxygen
and the suppression of hydrogen gas evolution to limit water consumption.
vented cell: A cell in which the products of electrolysis and evaporation are allowed to escape to the atmosphere
as they are generated. Syn: flooded cell.
NOTE—Vented cell is the preferred term that should be used in place of wet cell or flooded cell.
2
IEEE Standards Dictionary Online is available at: http://dictionary.ieee.org. An IEEE Account is required for access to the dictionary,
and one can be created at no charge on the dictionary sign-in page.
3
Notes in text, tables, and figures of a standard are given for information only and do not contain requirements needed to implement this
standard.
10
IEEE Std 937-2019
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations
VRLA valve-regulated lead-acid cell

VLA vented lead-acid
4. Safety
4.1 Introduction
The safety practices of the battery manufacturers and suppliers and those listed herein should be followed
during battery installation and maintenance. Work performed on batteries shall be done with the proper tools
and protective equipment. Battery installation shall be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable
of batteries and the required safety precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
4.2 Protective equipment

In some cases, equipment requirements are different for vented lead-acid (VLA) batteries and valve-regulated
lead-acid cell (VRLA) batteries. The following equipment is recommended for safer handling of lead-acid
batteries and protection of personnel:
a) Full eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield (safety glasses for VRLA)
b) Protective clothing, including acid-resistant gloves, aprons, and overshoes (VLA only)
c) Portable or stationary safety shower and eyewash stations (both for VLA; eyewash only for VRLA)
d) A suitable acid-neutralizing agent, such as bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
e) A lifting device of adequate capacity
f) Adequately insulated tools
g) A Class C fire extinguisher (CO2-type extinguishers should not be used because of the potential
thermal shock to batteries)
4.3 Safety procedures

4.3.1 Introduction
The following are hazards inherent in the use of lead-acid batteries and the recommended related procedures
to help ensure safety. In addition, NFPA 70E [B6]4 identifies arc-flash hazards for dc voltages above
100 V. Most systems covered by this document have a nominal dc voltage of 48 V, for which no arc-flash
protective equipment is required. A discussion of arc-flash hazards for dc voltages above 100 V is included in
IEEE Std 484™ [B2].
4.3.2 Electrolyte hazards
The electrolyte is a sulfuric-acid solution that is harmful to the skin, eyes, and internal organs. It is corrosive
and electrically conductive. The following procedures should be followed when handling the battery and
electrolyte:
a) Wear full eye protection and protective clothing.

b) If electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off immediately with water.
4
The numbers in brackets correspond to those of the bibliography in Annex B.
11
IEEE Std 937-2019
c) If electrolyte contacts the eyes, immediately and thoroughly flush with water, then seek medical
attention.
d) If electrolyte is ingested, immediately drink water and contact poison control.
e) Spilled electrolyte should be neutralized. A common practice is to use a solution of approximately 500
g of bicarbonate of soda to approximately 4 L of water. The bicarbonate of soda solution should be
added to the spilled electrolyte until the evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased.
NOTE—The removal and/or neutralization of an acid spill may result in the production of a hazardous waste. The
user should comply with the appropriate governmental regulations.
f) Properly dispose of unused electrolyte and electrolyte containers. These may be considered hazardous
waste and should be treated accordingly.
4.3.3 Electrical hazards
A battery can present an electrical shock and short-circuit hazard. The following procedures should be
followed to lessen the risk of electrical hazards:
a) Remove watches, rings, or other metal objects.

b) Wear rubber or plastic gloves and boots.
c) Use tools with insulated handles.
d) Disconnect the charging source and load prior to opening or closing any other battery connections.
e) Determine if the battery is inadvertently grounded and, if so, remove source(s) of ground
(e.g., electrolyte spillage). Contact with any electrically conductive path of a grounded battery can
result in electrical shock; the likelihood of shock can be reduced if inadvertent grounds are removed.
4.3.4 Fire hazards
Lead-acid batteries can present a fire hazard because they generate hydrogen gas (see 5.2.4) and are capable of
producing high current. The following procedures should be followed to lessen the risk of fire hazards:
a) Provide ventilation in accordance with item a) of 5.2.4.

b) Prohibit smoking in the battery area.
c) Keep the battery area free from open flames and arcs.
d) Discharge static electricity from body before touching batteries by first touching a grounded metal
surface, such as a water pipe.
e) Use flame-arresting vents, if the cell design allows.
f) Maintain battery and connections in accordance with Clause 7.
g) Follow proper installation procedures (see Clause 6).
h) Use of any auxiliary devices, such as hydrogen recombiners or flame arresters, should be in strict
accordance with the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
4.3.5 Handling hazards
The following safety procedures should be followed prior to and during installation of a battery:
a) Inspect all lifting devices for functional adequacy, and use properly.
12
IEEE Std 937-2019
b) In the case of rack mounting, completely assemble and tighten rack fasteners before loading cells, and
load in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
c) Prevent impact of cells to avoid damage.
d) Confirm that all cell openings are capped.
e) Avoid excessive tilting of vented cells that could result in electrolyte spillage.
4.3.6 General
The following are general safety precautions:
a) Establish unobstructed egress from the battery area.

b) Prevent unauthorized access to battery area.
c) Keep the top of the battery clear of all tools and other foreign objects at all times.
5. Installation design criteria

5.1 Introduction
Considerations that should be included in the design of a photovoltaic battery installation depend upon the
requirements, function, and size of the system of which the battery is a part. General criteria for all photovoltaic
battery installations are described in 5.2 through 5.5.
5.2 Enclosure
5.2.1 Introduction
Batteries should be protected by means of a suitable enclosure, which may vary from a box to a room. The
enclosure should be clean, dry, adequately ventilated, and provide and maintain protection against detrimental
environmental conditions.
5.2.2 Location
The following should be considered when deciding on the location of the battery enclosure:
a) The battery enclosure should be located as close as practical to the photovoltaic array, loads, and
power conditioning equipment, consistent with item e) of 5.4.
b) The enclosure location should provide adequate structural support, and be as free of vibration as
practical.
c) The battery location should preclude contamination of water supplies and damage to equipment in the
event of electrolyte spillage.
d) The enclosure location should be readily accessible to emergency response personnel.
5.2.3 Mechanical considerations
The following mechanical aspects should be considered during the design or selection of the battery enclosure:
a) The size of enclosure should allow for sufficient clearance around the battery to provide access for
installation and maintenance. Consideration should be given to the space required for safety and
handling equipment (see 4.2).
13
IEEE Std 937-2019
b) The surface on which the system is mounted should be adequate to support the weight of the battery
and its enclosure.
c) The enclosure should be resistant to the effects of electrolyte, either by selection of materials used
or by appropriate coatings. Provision should be made for containment of any spilled electrolyte per
appropriate codes and regulations.
d) Any enclosure doors should allow unobstructed egress.
e) The enclosure design should include appropriate means to prevent unauthorized entry.
5.2.4 Environmental considerations
The following environmental aspects should be considered during the design or selection of the battery
enclosure:
a) The enclosure shall be ventilated, either by natural or induced means, to prevent the accumulation of
an explosive hydrogen mixture, and to limit the accumulation of other hazardous gases. The hydrogen
concentration shall be limited to less than 2% by volume. The enclosure design should either avoid
creation of difficult-to-ventilate areas, including false ceilings, or make adequate provision for their
ventilation. The amount of hydrogen released is typically very small under most conditions, and no
extra mechanical ventilation is usually necessary if the battery enclosure is not completely “sealed.”
See IEEE Std 1635™ [B5] for further information and expected hydrogen gas release.
b) To prevent battery damage, the enclosure should be designed to maintain the electrolyte temperature
above its freezing point. The temperature at which the electrolyte will freeze for a given battery state
of charge and operating-specific gravity may be obtained from the battery manufacturer. Extremely
high electrolyte temperatures may cause excessive water usage and may damage the battery. Battery
manufacturers may recommend a maximum operating temperature for their batteries.
c) A cell electrolyte temperature of 25 °C is normally the basis for rated performance in North America.
A location where this temperature can be maintained at or below this level should contribute to
optimum battery life. Either passive or active means to reduce temperature excursions from 25 °C
should be considered. Passive means can include partial burial of enclosures, color of exterior finish,
and insulation. Active means can include forced-air ventilation.
NOTE—If the electrolyte temperature varies from optimum, sizing may be affected.
d) Temperature differences between cells within the battery should be limited to 3 °C. Localized heat
sources, including direct sunlight, radiators, steam pipes, and space heaters should be avoided.
e) Illumination of enclosures during time of maintenance should be adequate for the safety and
effectiveness of personnel.
5.3 Battery support structure

Battery support structures may consist of racks or other means for supporting the battery within the enclosure.
Battery support structures should have the following design features:
a) Provide suitable strength to support the battery.

b) Reduce temperature differentials (see item d) of 5.2.4).
c) Provide space required for maintenance (see item a) of 5.2.3).
d) Be resistant to the effects of electrolyte.
e) Provide electrical isolation for the cell case and battery. Any insulating material used should be rated
for full system voltage.
14
IEEE Std 937-2019
f) Provide space between the cells for air circulation.
5.4 Electrical
Electrical installations should be in accordance with appropriate electrical codes and regulations [such as
the National Electric Safety Code® (NESC®) (Accredited Standards Committee C2-2017)].5 The following is
suggested:
a) Considerations should be given to insulating bare terminals, lugs, fittings, and other live parts to
reduce the risk of fire, shock, and burns to personnel.
b) Electrical cabling to the battery should be designed so that it does not obstruct access space provided
for maintenance and safety, nor result in undue stress to battery terminals.
c) All battery systems should be provided with overcurrent protection and disconnecting means. This
also applies to all potential current-carrying instrumentation and control leads connected to the battery
system.
d) Systems that are grounded should be grounded according to appropriate codes.
e) Design of battery enclosure, rack, or room should prevent build up high concentrations of hydrogen
that could cause explosions (see 5.2.4). Nevertheless, placement of equipment with arcing contacts
near the battery should be avoided.
f) Consideration should be given to providing essential instrumentation and alarm functions, if not
provided by the charging control. These include:
1) Voltmeter
2) Ammeter
3) High- and low-voltage indicators
4) Ground fault detector(s) (for ungrounded or high-resistance center-tap grounded systems)
5) Temperature sensor(s)
5.5 Seismic
When a photovoltaic system is installed in a location subject to a high probability of seismic disturbance, the
batteries and their support structure(s) should be designed and installed in a manner that resists damage from
seismic events, and in accordance with appropriate codes and regulations.
6. Installation procedures6

6.1 Receiving and storage
6.1.1 Receiving inspection
The following should be considered when receiving shipment of a battery:
a) Upon receipt, inspect the shipment for damage that might have occurred in transit.
b) Take notice of the shipping date. Timely unpacking may be required in order to follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation on the freshening charge.
5
Information on normative references can be found in Clause 2.
6
For safety precautions, refer to Clause 4.
15
IEEE Std 937-2019
6.1.2 Unpacking
Batteries are typically shipped either securely banded to wood pallets or as modular units. System accessories
may be packed separately. To move pallets or modules, use material handling equipment adequate for the
weight. Do not impact, tip, or drop batteries as damage may result. Additional practices include the following:
a) Carefully cut the banding and remove protective packaging materials from the top and sides of the
batteries. If additional transportation to a remote location is required, attempt to transport individual
batteries with as much of the original packing material as possible.
b) After unpacking the batteries, inspect for damage. All damaged batteries should be repaired or
replaced.
c) Where possible, for vented cells check electrolyte levels to determine that the plates are covered. The
cell/unit may require replacement if the electrolyte level is below the top of the plates.
d) Always lift batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.1.3 Storage
It is recommended that the site construction allow for completion of battery installation shortly after receipt. If
battery storage is required, the following practices should be followed:
a) Batteries should be stored indoors in a clean, cool, dry area, and on a pallet instead of directly on the
floor. Temperature extremes and localized heat sources, such as radiators or direct sunlight, should be
avoided.
b) Do not double-stack pallets, or store anything on top of the batteries, as damage may result.
c) Batteries should not be stored for more than the time period recommended by the manufacturer without
applying a freshening charge. This charge should be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
d) Record dates and battery conditions for all charges during storage.
6.2 Battery support structure assembly

The assembly of the support structure should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended
procedures.
6.3 Battery mounting and connections

Various methods of interconnecting batteries are used. The following procedures generally apply to all
methods of interconnection, but individual steps may be modified per the manufacturer’s instructions:
NOTE—Dry-charged batteries may be mounted either before or after the addition of electrolyte. It is recommended that
intercell connectors be installed after addition of electrolyte.
a) For multilevel support structures, it is important to maintain stability during installation. It is generally
recommended that cells/units be placed onto the support structure starting at the center of the lowest
level and working outward and upward while maintaining the recommended spacing. Do not slide
cells/units across rough surfaces, nor lubricate the bottom surface of the container to aid sliding (other
than battery-manufacturer-approved lubricants or talcum powder), as damage may occur.
b) If used, install flame-arresting vent assemblies to reduce the risk of explosion.
16
IEEE Std 937-2019
c) Measure the voltage of each cell/unit, and correct discrepancies as required.

d) Many manufacturers ship their exposed lead posts with some coating to reduce oxidation during
shipping and storage. Some manufacturers require removal of this shipping coating and reapplication
of a thin coating of antioxidant material during installation. Other manufacturers suggest simply
leaving the thin coating of antioxidant material unless there is visible corrosion. When the shipping
coating is removed, care should be taken to prevent airborne lead particulates by using nothing more
than mild abrasives. Care should also be taken to avoid removal of the lead plating. If there is still
visible corrosion, a brass suede brush may be used but the user may need a facemask for safety reasons.
e) Interconnect cells/units to make series, parallel, or series-parallel connections in accordance with the
following considerations:
1) When possible, all parallel connections should be terminated at a common bus. This practice will
simplify the installation and enable isolation of an individual battery string without taking the
entire battery system out of service.
2) When more than one connector per terminal is required, mount the connectors on opposite sides
of terminal for maximum surface contact.
3) Cables should be pre-bent prior to connection and supported as needed to reduce stress on
terminals.
4) In general, all series connections should be made prior to parallel connections.
5) Verify the correct polarity of each cell/unit by measuring the overall string voltage. This should
be approximately equal to the average of the individual unit voltages multiplied by the number of
units in series.
f) With the cells/units properly aligned, tighten connections (including factory-made connections) to the
battery manufacturer’s recommended torque value.
g) Where required, install any auxiliary components.
h) For future identification, apply individual cell numbers in sequence (beginning with number one) at
the positive end of the battery. Also, add any required operating identification.
6.4 Preoperational checks

The following preoperational checks should be performed during battery installation:
a) It is advisable to measure and record intercell and interunit connection resistances to determine the
adequacy of the initial installation, and as a reference for future maintenance requirements. Remake
and remeasure any connection that has a resistance significantly above the average.
b) Clean all cell covers and containers. To remove dust and dirt, use a water-moistened clean wiper. To
clean electrolyte spillage, use a wiper moistened with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water.
All wipers should be free of oil distillates or solvents that may cause damage to the container or
contaminate the electrolyte.
c) Perform a visual inspection of completed battery installation to verify the following:
1) Correct assembly in accordance with electrical and mechanical specifications.
2) Integrity of all components.
3) Cleanliness and performance of all work in accordance with good workmanship practices.
17
IEEE Std 937-2019
6.5 Initial charging procedure

It may be desirable to perform an initial charge to bring the battery to a fully charged condition, especially for
VLA batteries, and to confirm all cells are equally charged. Dry-charged batteries must be activated prior to
performing this procedure (see Annex A).
NOTE 1—Field conditions may prevent strict adherence to the following procedure.
NOTE 2—The system load should not be connected at this time.
The preferred method is to charge the battery at a constant voltage. This should be done in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendation. Unless otherwise specified, if any cell temperature exceeds 43 °C, interrupt
or reduce the charge until the temperature has dropped to 38 °C, at which time charging may be resumed. See
the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for more information.
The charge is complete and the battery is fully charged when the cell voltages and the charging current have
not changed in three consecutive hours. The state of charge can be estimated by taking measurements of the
terminal voltages and charging current, and by using charging curves available from the manufacturer. The
specific gravity of vented cells may be used to estimate the cell’s state of charge; however, this method depends
on additional factors. If the specific gravity is out of the manufacturer’s recommended range after stable cell
voltages and currents have been achieved, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for corrective actions.
If necessary for vented cells, add water of the quality and quantity specified by the manufacturer at the
completion of the initial charging procedure.
NOTE 3—Dry-charged cell electrolyte levels should be adjusted using electrolyte of the specified specific gravity.
6.6 Final connections

When all installation procedures have been satisfied, complete the system connections.
7. Maintenance
7.1 General
Proper maintenance should prolong the life of a battery and help assure that it is capable of satisfying design
requirements. A good battery maintenance program should serve as a valuable aid in determining the need for
battery replacement. Only personnel who are familiar with battery installation, charging, and maintenance
procedures should be permitted access to the battery area. The safety practices of Clause 4 should be followed.
7.2 Inspections
7.2.1 Introduction
The results of all inspections should be recorded. Adequate battery records (previous maintenance procedures,
environmental problems, system failures, and any corrective actions taken in the past) are invaluable aids in
determining battery conditions.
It is preferable that all inspections be made on a fully charged battery. The inspection schedule outlined in 7.2.3
through 7.2.5 is a recommended best practice for good maintenance, especially for vented batteries; however,
certain cell designs may preclude performance of some of the inspections listed. The accessibility of the site at
certain times of the year may dictate a less frequent maintenance schedule than that recommended. However,
18
IEEE Std 937-2019
it is important that the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures be followed as a minimum, especially for
warranty compliance.
7.2.2 Initial readings
The initial readings are those readings taken at the time the battery is placed in service. The following readings
should be taken and recorded on a fully charged battery with no load on the system:
a) Battery terminal voltage and cell/unit voltages (preferably, these voltages should be taken with the
battery on charge; charging current should also be recorded)
b) Cell electrolyte levels, where appropriate
c) Internal temperatures of at least 10% of the cells (for valve-regulated batteries, the temperature of the
negative terminal post should be read)
d) Ambient temperature
e) Specific gravity reading of each cell corrected to 25 °C, where applicable
It is important that these initial readings be retained for future comparison.
7.2.3 Monthly
Perform the following inspections on a monthly basis:
a) General appearance and cleanliness of the battery and battery area

b) Battery terminal voltage and charging current (whenever possible). If possible, these measurements
should be made when the battery is fully charged
c) Electrolyte levels, where applicable
d) Cracks in cell/unit cases or leakage of electrolyte
e) Evidence of corrosion at connections
f) Ambient temperature
g) Condition of ventilation system
h) Pilot-cell (if used) voltage, specific gravity, and electrolyte temperature (whenever possible)
i) Evidence of current leakage to ground
7.2.4 Quarterly
In addition to the monthly items, inspect the following every three months:
a) Battery terminal voltage and cell voltages. If possible, these measurements should be made when the
battery is fully charged.
b) For vented lead-antimony cells with greater than 3% antimony, specific gravity of each cell corrected
to 25 °C. (For low-antimony/lead-selenium cells, an annual specific gravity reading is acceptable.)
c) Internal temperature of at least 10% of the cells.
19
IEEE Std 937-2019
7.2.5 Annually
In addition to the quarterly items, inspect the following once a year:
a) For flag terminals, check the tightness of all bolted connections (torque specified by manufacturer).
For lead posts, check the connection resistance and remake if the reading is more than 20% above the
baseline/installation measurement.
b) Integrity of battery support structure and enclosure.
7.2.6 Special inspections
If the battery has experienced an abnormal condition (such as a severe discharge, overcharge, or unanticipated
temperature excursion), an inspection should be made to determine if the battery has been damaged. This
inspection should include the requirements of 7.2.4, plus a detailed visual inspection of each cell.
7.3 Corrective actions

The following items are conditions that, if discovered, should be corrected at the time of inspection:
a) For vented cells, correct low electrolyte levels and record the amount of water added. Enough water
should be added to bring all cells to the high-level line. Water quality should be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. To avoid electrolyte overflow, water should be added only when it has
been determined that the cells are in a fully charged condition.
NOTE—The addition of water will alter the specific gravity of the electrolyte, and additional charging will be
required for mixing.
b) Clean corroded connections (high-connection resistances) by disassembling, cleaning, and

reassembling them. Then tighten all bolted connections to the torque specified by manufacturer.
c) When cell temperatures deviate more than to 3 °C from each other during a single inspection,
determine the cause and correct, if practical.
d) If a battery temperature outside the system design limits is noted, determine the cause and correct, if
practical.
e) Remove excessive dirt or spilled electrolyte in accordance with item b) of 6.4.
f) When the fully charged battery voltage is outside the manufacturer’s recommended range, the cause
should be determined and corrected.
g) Any other abnormal condition should be corrected per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The corrective action of an equalizing charge, performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
is indicated whenever any of the following conditions are found:
— For vented cells, the specific gravity, corrected for temperature and electrolyte level, of an individual
cell is more than 10 points (0.010) below the average of all cells at the time of inspection.
— For vented cells, the average specific gravity, corrected for temperature and electrolyte levels, of all
cells drops more than 10 points (0.010) from the average installation value (see 7.2.2) when the battery
is fully charged.
— The fully charged cell voltage is 0.1 V outside of the manufacturer’s recommended end-of-charge cell
voltage.
20
IEEE Std 937-2019
These conditions, if allowed to persist for extended periods, can reduce battery life. They do not necessarily
indicate a loss of capacity.
CAUTION
The equalizing voltage may present a hazard to other connected equipment.
8. Recycling
All batteries have a useful life and eventually must be recycled. Seek advice from the manufacturer on how to
proceed with battery recycling
21
IEEE Std 937-2019
Annex A
(informative)
Activation of dry-charged cells

Dry-charged cells should be activated (filled with electrolyte and charged) when they are ready to be placed in
service.
When the battery charging source is fully functional, remove the shipping plug/caps from the cells and fill cells
to be activated to the low-level line, or to the level specified by the manufacturer, with the supplied or approved
grade of electrolyte. Electrolyte should be agitated to eliminate stratification prior to introduction into cells.
NOTE—It is the responsibility of the user to neutralize and dispose of any excess electrolyte. It is strongly recommended
that the user neutralize and render useless all containers in which the acid was supplied to preclude the possibility of
accidental poisoning or injury through the use of the containers for food or liquid. Follow appropriate governmental
regulations.
Allow the cells to stand a minimum of 4 h after filling, then add sufficient electrolyte to bring the electrolyte
level up to the manufacturer’s recommended level. The initial charge should be started within 16 h of initial
battery filling, and in accordance with the charging rate and duration specified by the manufacturer.
22
IEEE Std 937-2019
Annex B
(informative)
Bibliography
Bibliographical references are resources that provide additional or helpful material but do not need to be
understood or used to implement this standard. Reference to these resources is made for informational use
only.
[B1] IEEE Std 450™, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Vented
Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.7,8
[B2] IEEE Std 484™, IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Vented Lead-
Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications (BCI).
[B3] IEEE Std 1187™, IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-
Regulated Lead-Acid Storage Batteries for Stationary Applications.
[B4] IEEE Std 1188™, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Valve-
Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications.
[B5] IEEE Std 1635™, IEEE/ASHRAE Guide for the Ventilation and Thermal Management of Batteries for
Stationary Applications.
[B6] NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.9
7
The IEEE standards or products referred to in Annex B are trademarks owned by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Incorporated.
8
IEEE publications are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (http://standards.ieee.org/).
9
NFPA publications are published by the National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org/).
23
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IEEE Recommended Practice

IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21

IEEE Recommended Practice

IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21

Approved 7 November 2019

IEEE SA Standards Board

Keywords: battery installation, battery maintenance, IEEE 937™, photovoltaic power system,

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Copyright © 2020 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

PDF: ISBN 978-1-5044-6311-9 STD23981

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Secretary, IEEE SA Standards Board

Laws and regulations

Updating of IEEE Standards documents

Errata, if any, for IEEE standards can be accessed via https://​standards​.ieee​.org/​standard/​index​.html.

Mark Siira, Chair

Curtis Ashton Jim McDowall Philip Undercuffler

Ali Al Awazi Peter Kelly Kenneth Sanders

Gary Hoffman, Chair

Masayuki Ariyoshi David J. Law Annette D. Reilly

2. Normative references

Accredited Standards Committee C2-2017, National Electrical Safety Code®(NESC®).1

3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

NOTE—Multiple pilot cells may be used.

3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations

VRLA valve-regulated lead-acid cell

4.2 Protective equipment

4.3 Safety procedures

4.3.2 Electrolyte hazards

a) Wear full eye protection and protective clothing.

4.3.3 Electrical hazards

a) Remove watches, rings, or other metal objects.

4.3.4 Fire hazards

a) Provide ventilation in accordance with item a) of 5.2.4.

4.3.5 Handling hazards

The following are general safety precautions:

a) Establish unobstructed egress from the battery area.

5. Installation design criteria

5.2.3 Mechanical considerations

5.2.4 Environmental considerations

5.3 Battery support structure

a) Provide suitable strength to support the battery.

f) Provide space between the cells for air circulation.

6. Installation procedures6

The following should be considered when receiving shipment of a battery:

6.2 Battery support structure assembly

6.3 Battery mounting and connections

c) Measure the voltage of each cell/unit, and correct discrepancies as required.

6.4 Preoperational checks

6.5 Initial charging procedure

NOTE 2—The system load should not be connected at this time.

6.6 Final connections

7.2.2 Initial readings

It is important that these initial readings be retained for future comparison.

Perform the following inspections on a monthly basis:

a) General appearance and cleanliness of the battery and battery area

In addition to the quarterly items, inspect the following once a year:

7.2.6 Special inspections

7.3 Corrective actions

b) Clean corroded connections (high-connection resistances) by disassembling, cleaning, and

Errata, if any, for IEEE standards can be accessed via https://standards.ieee.org/standard/index.html.