INSTALLATION, OPERATING & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

For Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Familiarize personnel with battery installation, charging and maintenance procedures. Display operating instructions
visibly near the battery system. Restrict access to battery area, permitting trained personnel only, to reduce the
possibility of injury.

Wear rubber apron, gloves and safety goggles (or face shield) when handling, installing, or working on batteries.
This will help prevent injury due to splashing or spillage of sulfuric acid. Observe all accident prevention rules.

Prohibit smoking. Keep flames and sparks of all kinds away from the vicinity of storage batteries as liberated or
entrapped hydrogen gas in the cells may be exploded, causing injury to personnel and/or damage to cells.

Wash all acid splashes in eyes or on skin with plenty of clean water and seek immediate medical assistance.
Acid splashes on clothing should be washed out with water. Acid on skin or clothing should also be immediately
neutralized with a solution of baking soda and water.

Explosion and fire risk. Avoid short circuits. Never place metal tools on top of cells, since sparks due to shorting
across cell terminals may result in an explosion of hydrogen gas in or near the cells. Insulate tool handles to protect
against shorting. Prior to making contact with the cell, discharge static electricity by touching a grounded surface.

Electrolyte is highly corrosive. Promptly neutralize and remove any electrolyte spilled when handling or installing
cells. Use a baking soda/water solution (1 lb. per gallon of water) to prevent possible injury to personnel.

Batteries are extremely heavy. Exercise care when handling batteries. When lifting use appropriate mechanical
equipment to safely handle batteries and avoid injury to personnel.

Dangerous voltage. Whenever possible, when making repairs to charging equipment and/or batteries, interrupt AC
& DC circuits to reduce the possibility of injury to personnel and damage to system equipment. This is particularly
important with high voltage systems (110 volts and above).

Recycle and Dispose of Used Batteries

Used batteries contain valuable recyclable materials. They must NOT be disposed of with domestic waste. Modes
of return and recycling shall conform to the prevailing regulations in operation at the site where the battery system is
located. Call FUKUDA or your local distributor for recycling options.

Version: 2017-March 1st

 Page

1.0 Delivery and Storage 1

2.0 Installation 1-3

3.0 Charging 4-5

4.0 Temperature 5

5.0 Discharging 5

6.0 Electrolyte 6

7.0 Special Applications 6

8.0 Maintenance & Testing 6-8

Warranty Note

Any of the following actions will invalidate the warranty:

Non-adherence to the Installation, Operating and Maintenance Instructions

Repairs carried out with non-approved spare parts or by non-approved personnel
Unauthorized interference with the battery
UKUDA's written
Operating the batteries above 35°C

Any and all problems or abnormalities must be reported to FUKUDA within 10 days of detection. This
includes voltage and/or internal resistance readings that are outside the limits in this manual and are
not improving when corrective action is applied. Failure to report ANY problems in a timely manner
often leads to permanent damage to the battery and the warranty will be void.
1.0 DELIVERY AND STORAGE
Delivery
Unpack the shipment as soon as it is delivered.
Verify that all of the equipment has been delivered and in good condition. Check quantities against packing slip and accessories list. If
there is any damaged or missing product, immediately notify the trucking company as well as FUKUDA.
If necessary, clean all parts before assembling.

Storage
Fully charged 2V cells have an open circuit voltage of 2.14V +/-.02V; 6V blocks average 6.42V +/- .06V; 12V blocks average 12.84V +/-
.12V at 25°C.
Store the batteries in a dry, clean and preferably cool location. Do not expose the cells to direct sunlight as damage to the container and
cover may occur.
VRLA batteries are supplied fully charged, storage time is limited to a maximum of 6 months without recharge. The self discharge of a
fully charged VRLA battery is around 2% per month at 25°C. In order to easily charge the batteries after prolonged storage, it is advised
not to store batteries for more than:
6 months at 10°C

An equalizing (refreshing) charge shall be carried out according to charging section 3.0 after this time or if the average open cell voltage
drops below 2.10 volts per cell. Alternatively cells can be float charged during storage.

Note: Failure to observe these conditions may result in reduced capacity and service life as well as voiding the battery warranty.

Storage of a Battery After Use

Never store a discharged battery. Ensure it is completely charged before storage. Storage times shown above (before use) also apply
after use.

2.0 INSTALLATION
The electrical protective measures, accommodation and ventilation of the battery installation must be in accordance with the applicable
rules and regulations. This includes layout, safety equipment and warning signs required.

Ventilation
Valve Regulated Lead-acid batteries do produce hydrogen and oxygen during operation. This is especially true during charging and
discharging. These gases result from electrolysis of the water portion of the electrolyte by the charging current. Natural or artificial
ventilation is recommended in the battery room, or area, to prevent build-up. Concentrations above 4% can result in an explosive
mixture, which could be ignited by sparks from adjacent electrical equipment as well as sparks or open flame introduced by personnel.
All air moved by ventilation should be exhausted into the outside atmosphere and should not be allowed to re-circulate into other
confined areas. Ventilation requirements vary.Contact your local authority for requirements.

Location
A battery system should be installed in a clean, cool and dry location. Avoid placing the battery in a warm area or in direct sunlight.
Heaters, radiators and steam pipes can cause serious electrolyte temperature variation among cells within a battery system. The layout
and contents of a battery room must comply with all local standards and allow easy access to the batteries.

Handling
Valve regulated lead-acid batteries are supplied in a fully charged state and must be unpacked carefully to avoid short circuit between
terminals of opposite polarity. The cells are heavy and must be lifted with appropriate equipment. Avoid lifting batteries by the terminal
posts. Batteries should be lifted from bottom of jars or with available lifting straps. At all times exercise caution when handling batteries
to prevent damage of the plastic containers and covers. Contact FUKUDA if you are interested in purchasing lifting straps or handling
equipment.

Tools
Use tools with insulated handles. Do not place or drop metal objects onto the battery. Remove rings, wristwatch, and metal articles of
clothing which may come into contact with the battery terminals.

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Removal
Before removing old batteries, ensure that all electric loads are switched off (breakers, fuses, and switches). This must be carried out
by a qualified professional. Batteries must be packaged, shipped and recycled per regulations.

Rack Installation
Choose location to install rack and ensure that the area is clean and level.
Assemble rack according to instructions supplied. If instructions are missing, contact rack supplier.
Set rack in final resting place. If mounting to the floor, mark and then drill anchor holes. Install contractor-supplied anchor bolts and
tighten.

Spill Containment Installation

If a FUKUDA spill containment system is supplied the rack will be installed inside the polypropylene spill pans. Polypropylene is acid
resistant, extremely strong and can support up to 15,000 lbs. per square inch without degradation of the material. FUKUDA can supply
different size spill pans that are butted together in different combinations to form different spill containment system lengths and widths.
pans together.
If the rack and spill containment is to be anchored to the floor you will follow the previous rack installation instructions; however, you
must also assemble and place the spill containment system under the rack before marking the anchor holes. After the anchor holes are
marked, drill through the pans and then drill into the floor. Insert anchor bolts and tighten.
Where needed, caulk hole/bolt with silicon to provide a 100% leak proof spill containment system.
After rack and spill containment system are installed, ensure all bolts are tight and properly torqued.
Optional acid absorbing/neutralizing pillows can be placed in the spill pans after the battery installation is complete.

Installation of Cells/Batteries
Begin installing the batteries on the lower step or tier for stability and safety reasons.

Talcum Powder may be used on the platform surface or rails to ease movement. DO NOT USE any other type of lubricant such as
Grease or Oil as they may contain mineral spirits which can damage the jar materials.
Make sure to arrange batteries plumb and level with the correct polarity see series vs. parallel connection for explanation. Carefully
follow the polarity sequence to avoid short circuiting cell groups.

Series Connection batteries are usually installed in series.

Place the batteries on the rack making sure that the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next
battery and continue in the same fashion. Make sure batteries are aligned properly.

Figure 1: These are two 6V batteries in series to

produce 12V. You can add more batteries for a higher
voltage, i.e. 24, 48, 130Vdc.

Parallel Connection Batteries may be connected in parallel to give higher current capability. In the case of parallel connected strings,
use only batteries of the same capacity, design, and age, with a maximum of four parallel strings. The resistance of the cables in each
string must be the same, e.g. same cross section, same length.

Figure 2: These are three 12V 100Ah batteries in

parallel. They produce 12V with 3X the capacity (300Ah)
of a single battery.

2V cells should be aligned per the following arrangements or as intercell connectors dictate.

Single post cells Two post cells

Check that all contact surfaces are clean and corrosion free. If required, clean with brass wire brush.

Apply a thin coat (use sparingly) of No-Ox grease to terminals, on bolt threads, and other exposed metal surfaces. Be careful to avoid
contact with the cover and container

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Charger Connection
Before charger is connected, make sure the cells are clean and double check all connections for correct torque and polarity

Measure the total voltage of the battery string at the end battery terminals. The voltage should be equal to the number of cells
(batteries) times the voltage of one of the cells (batteries).

Example: 60 cells times a standard open circuit voltage of 2.14Vpc = 128.48Vdc.

Finally, with the charger switched off, the battery fuse removed, and the load disconnected, connect the battery to the DC power supply.
Ensure that the polarity is correct positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the charger.

Switch on the charger (per charger instructions) and adjust the float and equalize voltages as needed. Charge according to charging
instructions 3.0.

Note: After the Initial Charge, record all of the data specified under the Required Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Activities
Annual Battery System Checks (including monthly and quarterly data), and save the data. Documentation of maintenance activities will
be required in case of warranty claim or problems with the battery system.

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3.0 CHARGING
Charging Current
Limitation of the charging current is not required under floating condition. During the initial or an equalizing charge, the current should
be limited to 20% of the Ah rating of the battery.
Example: MSE2V 100 = 100Ah, maximum charge current should be .20 x 100 = 20Amps.

Ripple Current
In the standby operation mode, the effective value of the AC ripple current must not exceed 5A per 100Ah @ 8Hr. Otherwise, reduced
operational life as well as increased maintenance should be expected. Charging current must be filtered so that the battery system will
have maximum life and minimum maintenance during its life. You should never operate an unfiltered charger with VRLA batteries.
Doing so will shorten the life of the batteries and void the warranty.

Initial Charge (Commissioning Charge)

Before initial charge, all batteries must be inspected for physical/mechanical damage.
Charge at a voltage of 2.35Vpc for no more than 24 hours. The fully charged condition has been achieved when, for a period of two
hours, the cell voltages do not continue to increase and the charging current does not continue to decrease.
Upon completion of the initial charge place the batteries on float charge.
Batteries are shipped at approximately 90 -100% capacity and will attain 100% capacity after 1-6 months on float charge.

Record Initial Reference Values

After the initial charging of the battery, measure all of the cell internal resistance values and voltages using a battery internal resistance
tester. Ensure all battery to battery, battery to terminal connections, as well as inter-tier and load connections have appropriate
resistances. Record all of these initial values for comparison over the life of the battery system. In addition, the following data should be
documented for Initial charging records:

Date and time of the completion of the Initial Charge on the battery system
Float Voltage of the DC output of the charger as measured on the main (+) and (-) terminals of the battery.
Float Current of the DC output of the charger measured on the cable(s) to the positive post of the battery.
Float AC ripple voltage and current as measured on the main (+) and (-) terminals of the battery.
Battery temperature (at negative post) and ambient temperature.

Float Charge
Batteries must be maintained on float charge and should be fully recharged within 24 hours of any discharge.
The recommended float charge voltage is 2.25 above 2.25Vpc will lead to overcharging as well as a
shorter service life. Floating the batteries under 2.25Vpc without a regular equalize charge will lead to reduced capacity, sulfation build-
up and premature failure. For these reasons, we recommend 2.25Vpc @ 25°C, whenever possible.

The system float voltage should equal: (# of cells in system) x 2.25Vpc = System Float Voltage. Float voltage should not vary by more
than +/-1%. Should the float voltage of any cell vary by +/-0.05Vpc apply an equalize charge and contact your sales office should this
not correct the problem.

Float Charge Adjustment

The float charge voltage will need to be adjusted if the average operating temperature is above 30°C or below 10°C.
FUKUDA sells chargers that automatically compensate the float voltage with an increase or decrease in temperature; however, if you do
not have temperature compensation on your charger you will have to make the following adjustments to assure you are not over or
under charging the system: If the average battery temperature exceeds 30°C, the float charge voltage shall be reduced by
(AT - 4
increased by (10 - AT) x .00054Vpc.

Example: AT= 40°C: (40-30) x .00054 = reduce Vpc by .054. AT=the average operating temperature.
A 60 cell system with a standard float voltage of 135Vdc (2.25Vpc) should be floated at 131.76Vdc 40
Deviations of individual cell voltages of +/-.05Vpc may be observed. However, the total voltage of the battery system shall be within the
limits stated above.

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Equalizing Charge (AKA Refreshing Charge or Boost Charge)
Because the permissible system voltage level may be exceeded when equalize charging at increased voltages, suitable
measures should be taken to protect the load circuits (e.g. charging off-line).

When should an equalize charge be applied?

Quarterly
When individual cells fall below 2.22Vpc or when block voltage falls below 13.32Vdc (for 12V blocks) or 6.66Vdc (for
6V blocks).
After a deep discharge, or after an inadequate recharging, an equalizing charge may be used to recharge the battery
system quicker.

Charge at a voltage of 2.35Vpc for no more than 24 hours. Current should be limited to 20% of the amp hour rating of the battery.
The actual time needed to equalize depends on the initial state of charge of the battery system and the voltage and current applied. The
fully charged condition has been achieved when, for a period of two hours, the cell voltages do not continue to increase and the
charging current does not continue to decrease.

If the maximum temperature of 35°C is exceeded, charging must be terminated or continued at a reduced current or temporarily
switched to float charging.

Upon completion of the equalize charge place the batteries back on float charge.
If there are still voltage discrepancies after an equalize charge is carried out, contact FUKUDA

Leaving VRLA batteries on equalization charge for long periods of time may result in: voided warranty, seriously overcharging
the battery causing the pressure relief vents to open, loss of electrolyte (dry out) and shortened system life.

Recharge
After a discharge, the battery can be recharged at the operating voltage (float voltage) or to reduce the charging time the recharging
can be carried out per the equalizing charge instructions. The recharging times vary depending on the charging procedure and on the
charging current available. Recharge 1.2 times the discharged capacity.

4.0 TEMPERATURE
Higher temperatures reduce the operational life. Lower temperatures reduce the available capacity.
The permissible operating temperature range is -15 to 54.5°Chowever operating VRLA batteries above 35°C will void the warranty.
The recommended operating temperature range is 20°C to 25°C. This will maximize life and minimize maintenance. All technical data
relates to a rated temperature of 25°C.

5.0 DISCHARGING End of Discharge Voltage Limits

The battery must not be discharged more than the capacity specified in the performance data tables. Deeper discharges may
damage the battery and shorten its operational life. A low voltage disconnect is recommended to prevent deep discharge.
As a general rule, the end of discharge voltage shall be limited to the values listed below:
Table 2 Discharge Voltage
Discharge Time End Voltage
5 min. < t < 59 min. 1.70Vpc
1 hr. < t < 8 hrs. 1.75Vpc
8 hr. < t < 24+ hrs. 1.80Vpc

Individual cell voltages may fall below end voltage per cell by not more than 0.2Vpc.

Discharged Cells
Batteries must not be left in a discharged condition. They must be immediately returned to recharge mode. Failure to observe these
conditions may result in greatly reduced service life. See section 3.0 for charging instructions.
Each deep discharge is abusive and could affect the life expectancy of the battery.

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6.0 ELECTROLYTE
The electrolyte is a diluted sulfuric acid. AGM type cells will have the electrolyte absorbed into the matting materials between the
positive and negative plates. There is very little free electrolyte in the cells. GEL type cells will have the electrolyte suspended in a gel.
VRLA batteries typically use an electrolyte with a specific gravity of 1.300-1.310.

7.0 SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

Whenever the batteries are to be used for special applications (non floating type applications) such as repeated cycling or under
extreme ambient conditions, please contact your sales office. Different instructions may apply. In addition, the battery may have a
shorter operational life.

8.0 MAINTENANCE & TESTING

Cleaning
Keep containers and lids dry and free from dust. Cleaning must be undertaken with a damp cotton cloth without man-made fibers or
addition of cleaning agents. Do not use feather dusters or dry cloths. This could cause static discharge which can lead to an explosion
hazard.

Capacity/Discharge Testing
Capacity tests should be carried out in accordance with IEEE-1188. Discharge tests should be performed between 18°C and 32°C.

Pretest requirements
An equalize charge should be completed. No more than 24 hours at 2.35vpc is recommended by FUKUDA.
A float charge of no less than 72hours should follow the equalize charge up to the start of the test.
All battery voltages should be within tolerances noted in charging section 3.0. If any batteries have a voltage outside of the
allowable float charge range FUKUDA should be contacted prior to the test starting.

Test length
FUKUDA recommends discharge times of 1 to 8 hours to an end cell voltage of 1.75Vpc.

Information to Record Before and During Test

Read and record the float voltages of the system AND each battery just before the start of the test (with charger on).
Record the float voltage at the battery terminals just before the start of the test (with charger on).
Record the float voltage of each cell/block just before the start of the test (with charger on).
Record the ambient temperature as well as the batteries temperature at the negative terminal.
Record the voltage of each cell once the charger is off prior to placing the load on the system.
At regular time intervals during the test, measure Total Vdc, Amps DC and Individual cell voltages of all batteries / cells.
As the test nears its end, it may be necessary to take readings more frequently to monitor cells that are approaching low
voltage limits.

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What to do if a Cells Voltage drops below the Specified End Cell Voltage Prematurely Per IEEE1188
If the specified end system voltage has not been reached do not interrupt the test unless an individual cell is approaching
reversal of its polarity (0.0 volts).
If one or more cells are approaching reverse polarity (0.0 volts) the test should be continued with the cell/unit bypassed where
feasible. The time required to disconnect the cell, install the jumper, and restart the test shall not exceed 6 minutes. Complete
the bypass away from the cell/unit to avoid arcing. The new minimum voltage should be determined based on the remaining
cells.
tual
llowed when a battery is being tested. It is very important that the
user work with the manufacturer or other experienced personnel to plan the course of action. The possibility of a weak cell(s)
should be anticipated, and preparations should be made for bypassing the weak cell(s) with minimum hazard to personnel.

Temperatures effect on a Capacity/Discharge Test

If the operating temperature of the system is above or below 77°F a correction factor will need to be applied to either A) the test results
or to B) the current applied to determine the true capacity of the system. (Reference IEEE-1188-2005)

A) Time Capacity Determination for Calculating System Capacity Recommended by FUKUDA

When using this method, no correction of any type is required prior to the performance of the test. The systems capacity is calculated
after the completion of the test using the published performance data at 77°F. This method is recommended for test over 1 hour.
Ta
To calculate the % capacity of your system C = x 100
Ts x Kt
C = % capacity at 77°F
Ta = the actual time (in minutes) of the test to specified end cell voltage
Ts = the rated time (in minutes) of the test to specified end cell voltage
Kt = the time correction factor in Table 3

Table 3 Time Correction Factors

F 65 67 69 70 71 73 75 77 79 80 81 83 85 87 89 90
Kt 0.920 0.935 0.948 0.955 0.960 0.975 0.985 1.000 1.007 1.011 1.017 1.030 1.040 1.050 1.060 1.065

Example: A MSE-300 battery is rated to deliver 104Amps for 5 hours (300 minutes) to 1.75Vdc at 77. The system was 65°F, was
discharged at 104Amps and the systems end cell voltage was reached at 4 hours and 25 minutes (265 minutes).
265
C= x 100 = System has 96% Capacity
300 x .92

B) Rate Adjustment Capacity Determination

When using this method the published rating (current) for the selected test length is de-rated below 77°F and increased above 77°F to
take into account the effects temperature has on a batteries performance.
Xt
To calculate the adjusted discharge current A=
for test Kc

A = adjusted discharge current for test

Xt = the published rating (current) for time to specified end cell voltage at 77°F
Kc = the temperature correction factor in Table 4

Table 4 Current Correction Factors

F 65 67 69 70 71 73 75 77 79 80 81 83 85 87 89 90
Kc 1.080 1.064 1.048 1.040 1.034 1.023 1.011 1.000 0.987 0.980 0.976 0.968 0.960 0.952 0.944 0.940

Example: A MSE-300 battery is rated to deliver 104amps for 5hours to 1.75Vdc at 77°F. The site temperature is 65°F prior to starting
the test.
104
A = = 96.3Amps
1.080
The system should be discharged at 96.3Amps for 5hours to 1.75Vpc.

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 REQUIRED PERIODIC INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
Keep a logbook in which the measured values as well as power cuts, discharge tests, equalize charges storage times and general
conditions can be noted. If a problem or warranty situation does come up this information is necessary in determining the course of
action.

To obtain the full capacity and service life from your stationary battery system, the performance of complete and timely periodic
maintenance is essential. Temperature extremes, improper charging voltage and individual cell voltage imbalance are a few of the
items which can have a negative effect on the system.

Routine inspection, charger/rectifier checks, and pilot cell checks should be performed monthly. More detailed inspection of the battery
is required on a quarterly and annual schedule.

GENERAL BATTERY ROOM AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTION perform the following checks whenever in the
battery room:
a 20-25ºC temperature range.

uipment and tools are available and operational.

MONTHLY CHARGER/RECTIFIER OUTPUT CHECKS record in a log book the following:

It should equal 2.25 volt DC x number of cells. If a deviation in voltage greater than +/- 1% occurs, the charger must
be adjusted or checked for proper operation. Measure voltage at battery terminals.

MONTHLY BATTERY SYSTEM CHECKS record in a log book the following:

recommended charging voltage per cell.

5V +/- .05V for 2V
cells, 6.75V +/-1% for 6V blocks or 13.50V +/-1% for 12V blocks.
negative post temperatures: The normal range is between 20-25ºC, and should have a
variance no greater than 1ºC between individual cells.
y inspect each cell noting any changes or abnormalities. If anything odd is noticed, record it and call
sales office immediately to determine proper action. Changes you should look for may be, but are not limited
to the following: discoloration, cracks, corrosion, and growth inside or outside of container. Any noticeable sign
may be a sign of trouble.

ote: Individual cell charging voltage measurements are most accurate if 72 hours or more have elapsed since the system was
discharged or equalized.

QUARTERLY BATTERY SYSTEM CHECKS record in a log book the following:

In addition to the monthly inspection the following checks should be completed quarterly.
-cell block in the battery system.
-cell block.
negative posts in the battery system.

ANNUAL BATTERY SYSTEM CHECKS record in a log book the following:

In addition to the quarterly and monthly inspection checks, perform the following checks annually.

CAPACITY TESTING CHECKS record in a log book the following:

In addition to all of the normal maintenance checks done on an Annual basis, a periodic capacity test of the battery system
should be performed at least every (2) two years to verify the ability of the battery system to perform to specifications and then
annually, every (1) year if the capacity of the system falls below 90%.

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SUGGESTED REFERENCES

IEEE-1187-2002
Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-Regulated Lead Acid Batteries for Stationary
Applications

IEEE-1188-2005
Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead Acid Batteries for
Stationary Applications.

IEEE-1189-2007
Guide Selection of Valve-Regulated Lead Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.

IEEE-1657-2009
Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifications for Installation and Maintenance of Stationary Batteries.

Early detection and corrections of problems

can help prevent permanent damage to your
battery system!