Battery Best Practices

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by cheesepuffgd

1)
3) My team puts each battery through a cycle of discharges over decreasing loads using the incandescent lightbulbs also on the battery cart. this conditions the battery and can restore some lost capacity.

5) don't store batteries partially discharged for long periods of time.

I suspect the attempt here is to remove some sulfation on batteries that have sat around for a long (many months) time. Batteries self discharge over time so it is impossible to store partially stored batteries. (see battery sheet on self discharge specifications) However, it is best to charge batteries before storage and keep them in a temperature controlled environment. i.e. Don't allow them to winter in an unheated garage or to sit in an closed shed during the heat of summer.