Roy,
After reading the tip about herbicide sprayers on the wrench list a
few years ago I also use and recommend sprayers for battery
watering. With systems that I install that include a wet cell
battery I provide and install the following 'Battery Safety and
Maintenance Kit':
Fire extinguisher- C rated
Smoke alarm
Large orange bag of baking soda(Costco)
1G modified sprayer with 'Batteries - Distilled Water Only!!'
written on the top side in large letters.
At one time the kit was optional, now it is included for $40-50.
I am also a fan of the big red amp and volt read out of the Trimetric
and include one in every system, preferably located in the living
room or kitchen.
Thirsty Lake Solar
Jeff Wongstrom
NABCEP Certified Solar Installer
406-889-5324
thirstylakesolar
On Dec 12, 2009, at 6:50 AM, Roy Butler wrote:
Joel,
I was waiting to see if others use my method but I didn't see
anyone post it.
I've been off grid and having to maintain my batteries since 1997.
I grew to
hate the battery watering jugs for several reasons and finally came
up with
something that works for me.....your results may vary!
I now use a pump up type garden sprayer. I use a 1.5 gallon version
with a
plastic wand, spray tip removed. I pump it up 6-8 times and that
pressure
allows me to fill 3 to 4 cells, depending on the volume of water
needed.
What I like about this is that the wand reaches anywhere in the
bank and
most important, I can watch the cells fill. I put a piece of
electrical tape around
the wand and insert the wand into the cell to the tape level. This
is my water
level and it's really easy to tell when the electrolyte reaches the
end of the wand.
About 1/2 of my customers are off grid and most use the sprayer
method with
good results.
BTW, this was a brand new sprayer, dedicated to distilled water and
hidden
away from my wife, who loves to grab what ever is available in my
shop. And at
least here in snow country, the sprayers are all on sale!
Roy Butler
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer
PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer
Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
8902 Route 46
Arkport, NY 14807
607-324-9747
www.four-winds-energy.com
Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a
large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
Joel Davidson wrote:
Wrenches,
Thank you for your feedback that automatic watering is not
automatic or reliable. Valves can stick open (a flood) or shut (a
dry cell) or not seat properly (dripping that becomes a slow
flood). I'll get a 2.5 quart watering can sold at auto parts
stores - unless you all have a better idea.
Thanks again,
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joel Davidson"
<joel.david...@sbcglobal.net>
To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 6:14 PM
Subject: Battery Automatic Watering
Wrenches,
We installed 48 each IBE 1-85N-15 cells (24 in series in 2 Direct
Power & Water battery boxes). We do not want to use Hydrocaps.
Your suggestions for an automatic watering system would be most
appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Happy Holidays.
Joel Davidson
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-
re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-
wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
