By NPR - SEBD9546 - 2008/06/30 Page 1 of 2

Shutdown SIS

Previous Screen

Product: NO EQUIPMENT SELECTED

Model: NO EQUIPMENT SELECTED
Configuration: NO EQUIPMENT SELECTED

Engine News
2008/06/30
Media Number -SEBD9546-00 Publication Date -30/06/2008 Date Updated -30/06/2008

i03102944

Recommendations for Battery Charging for Genset Usage

{1401, 1406}
SM CS - 1401; 1406

Generator Set:
All

ReferenceSpecial Instruction, SEHS7633, "Battery Test Procedure"

Caterpillar Accessible Batteries

Caterpillar recommends the use of accessible batteries in all Genset applications. Accessible
batteries are batteries with removable caps that allow access to check the electrolyte level or to top
off the electrolyte level within the cells of the battery.

Note: Non-accessible types of batteries are Gel batteries and AGM batteries.

Genset applications commonly use a constant charge during operation. Types of constant charges
are a trickle charge or a float charge. If the battery is not maintained properly, the use of these
types of constant charge may shorten the life of the battery. The use of accessible types of
batteries allows service to the batteries and the proper maintenance of the batteries, which includes
electrolyte level check. This maximizes the life of the batteries.

Note: Use only de-ionized water or de-mineralized water within the cells of the battery.

Note: If a non-accessible type of battery is used currently, replace this battery with an accessible
type of battery after 3 years. For regions with a warmer climate, replace the battery within 2.5
years. Warmer temperatures may shorten the battery life. The ideal operating temperature range
for Caterillar batteries is 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F).

Refer to Table 1 for the list of accessible type of batteries versus the non-accessible type of
battery.

Table 1
Type of Battery
Group Size Accessible Battery Non-accessible Battery

https://127.0.0.1/sisweb/sisweb/techdoc/techdoc_print_page.jsp?returnurl=/sisweb/sis... 16/03/2019
By NPR - SEBD9546 - 2008/06/30 Page 2 of 2

8D 101-4000 153-5720
4D 9X-9730 153-5710
4D 9X-9720 153-5700

If accessible, maintenance free design is not available, use a battery with an equivalent group size.
Replace the battery after 3 years. In regions with a warmer climate, replace the non-accessible
battery within 2.5 years.

M aintenance for an Accessible Type of Battery

Accessible batteries require periodic checks for proper electrolyte level. The electrolyte level
should be covering the plates (grids) within the battery in order to maximize a transfer with full
charge. If the liquid level is below the plates (grids), only add de-ionized water or water that is
free of minerals.

Note: Never add battery acid to top off the volume as the addition of extra acid may destroy the
grids.

Check the electrolyte level in the accessible batteries at every 1000 hours. In regions with a
warmer climate, check the level at every 500 hours in order to ensure that the electrolyte level is
13 mm (0.5 inch) above the top of the separators.

Types of batteries should never be mixed if more than one is used. With mixed types of batteries,
some batteries may be overcharged, while other batteries may not charge sufficiently. A sufficient
charge may not occur as the alternator responds to the average load and voltage. If a battery
system consists of a battery pack of more than one battery and one of the batteries needs to be
replaced, replace all of the batteries in the battery pack.

Copyright 1993 - 2019 Caterpillar Inc. Sat Mar 16 11:06:26 UTC+0330 2019
All Rights Reserved.
Private Network For SIS Licensees.

https://127.0.0.1/sisweb/sisweb/techdoc/techdoc_print_page.jsp?returnurl=/sisweb/sis... 16/03/2019