On Tue, 14 Nov 2000 21:24:21 -0500, Roger Turk wrote:
> Sam Heywood wrote:
> My point is simply this: A good voltage reading does not necessarily mean
> that a battery is good. You have to perform a load test. A voltmeter does
> not do this.
> Do not try the above experiment at home unless you have some very
> understanding neighbors who can help you get your car started in the morning
> while you enthrall them with your amazing story about your adventure in
> science.<<
> Hence, by this experiment, without angering my neighbors, the conclusion is
> that bad/weak batteries will have lower voltages than new batteries.
Large capacity, wet cells should usually be load tested. Small capacity,
dry cells can be read with a voltmeter.
I've had car batteries measure as high as 14.2 volts static and be
worhtless. Others have measured as low as 12.4 and have been good for
some time since. A standard alkaline dry cell that measures less than
1.4 volts will not work for much longer, period.
Bob
Starts April 1, 2001
-- Arachne V1.67, NON-COMMERCIAL copy, http://arachne.cz/
