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4.4 Battery Maintenance
4.4.1 Battery Safety Precautions
Servicing of batteries should be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and
the required precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
When replacing batteries, use the same number and type of batteries.
!
WARNING
These maintenance procedures will expose hazardous live parts. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
DC fuses operate at the rated battery voltage at all times. A blown DC bus fuse indicates a
serious problem. Serious injury or damage to the equipment can result if the fuse is replaced
without knowing why it failed. Call Liebert Global Services for assistance.
!
WARNING
Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials. Batteries must be handled, transported and
recycled or discarded in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Because lead is a
toxic substance, lead-acid batteries must be recycled rather than discarded.
Do not dispose of battery or batteries in a fire. The battery may explode.
Do not open or mutilate the battery or batteries. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin
and eyes. It is toxic.
A battery can present a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. The following
precautions should be observed when working on batteries:
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects.
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of batteries.
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.
• Determine if battery is inadvertently grounded. If inadvertently grounded, remove source
of ground. Contact with any part of a grounded battery can result in electrical shock. The
likelihood of such shock will be reduced if such grounds are removed during installation
and maintenance.
Lead-acid batteries can present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen gas. In addition,
the electrical connections must be protected against accidental short circuits which can cause
sparks. The following procedures should be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries.
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.
• Discharge static electricity from body before touching batteries by first touching a grounded
metal surface.
• After replacing battery jars in a battery cabinet, replace the retaining straps that hold the
jars in place on the shelves. This will limit accidental movement of the jars and connectors
should the cabinet ever need to be repositioned or relocated. Regular maintenance of the
battery module is an absolute necessity. Periodic inspections of battery and terminal volt-
ages, specific gravity and connection resistance should be made. Strictly follow the proce-
dures outlined in the battery manufacturer’s manual, available on the manufacturer’s Web
site.