Current Draw Test

Make sure the correct charging mode is set on the battery charger so the current draw test is not inaccurate.

• : VAS5095A  . Refer to BATTERY, CHARGING WITH Battery Charger .
• : VAS5900  . Refer to Battery Charger .
• : VAS5903  . Refer to Battery Charger .

In order to receive an indication as quickly as possible of the battery condition of discharged Batteries -A-, a conclusion can be made during the charging process using the Battery -A- current draw as to whether the Battery -A- should be replaced or charged completely.

The Current Draw Test Should Always Be Performed If the Test Using the : VAS5097A  had the Following Results:

1. Starting power sufficient
2. Starting power poor
3. Starting power very poor
4. cannot be tested - charge the Battery -A- and perform the test again
5. : VAS5097A  does not turn on (no LED, no printout)

Depending on the test results : VAS5097A  (refer to TEST RESULT EVALUATION ), additional test steps or work for a clear evaluation of the battery charge must be made.

By checking a current draw capacity on a Battery -A- during the charging procedure, it can be determined in a short time whether a partially discharged or severely discharged Battery -A- can become operable again by further charging. Refer to SEVERELY DISCHARGED BATTERIES .

Test Requirements

• When charging a battery, the battery temperature must be at least 10 °C (50 °F).
• The charger must be able to deliver at least 30 A charge current, such as on the : VAS5095A  /: VAS5900  /: VAS5903  .
• When charging with the : VAS5095A  , the Battery -A- current draw must be measured using a current probe (: VAS6356/4A  ).
• The : VAS5900  and the : VAS5903  indicate the current draw. The : VAS5900  automatically performs the menu- guided current draw test.

Procedure 

-- Connect the Battery -A- to the Battery Charger and start the charging process.

-- Measure the Battery -A- charge current after five minutes.

Test result

The charge current must be above 10% of the nominal capacity five minutes after charging begins.

Example:

With a 60 Ah battery, the charge current must be greater than 6 A 5 minutes after charging begins.

-- Charge the Battery -A- completely when the charge current is greater than 10% of the nominal capacity.

-- Let the Battery -A- sit for two hours and then perform the battery load test. Refer to BATTERY LOAD TEST .

If the charge current is less than 10% of the nominal capacity (less than 6 A for a 60 Ah battery) five minutes after starting the charging, then replace the Battery -A-. Refer to BATTERY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- In warranty and Goodwill cases, fill out the battery test sheet and keep it with the Battery -A-.