Hi all !)
I decided to write an article:
How to charge a car battery.
There are many articles on the Internet and each one is good in its own way. Here is one of the articles that was useful to me and according to it I charged my Energy Box 6CT 60Ah battery (photo below) it was 2 years old) What can I say, the battery is not bad, made in Ukraine, they gave a 1 year warranty. The first winter survived quite well. But the second winter, I sat down, but didn’t completely take it home and put it on charge + added distilled water to the MAX mark.
— Based on experience and frequently arising topics related to the question “How to charge a car battery?” It’s safe to say that every car owner sooner or later faces this problem. How to properly charge a car battery
- So, if you have a charger (charger) and you need to charge a “dead” battery, you need to do the following: 1). For safety reasons, remove the battery from the car (follow the instructions for your car) and place it on a level place, for example on a table, where it will be charged further. All this must be done in a well-ventilated area and away from fire, since charging releases a large amount of harmful and flammable gases. 2). If the battery is serviceable, you need to check the density of the electrolyte in the banks, as described in this article, and also make sure that its level is normal. 3). Look at the battery terminals; if they are oxidized or dirty, you need to clean them with a file or sandpaper to improve contact and then lightly lubricate them with graphite grease or lithol. 4). Unscrew all the plugs from the battery cans and place them on the holes, this is necessary so that at the end of the charging process the released gases (oxygen and hydrogen) do not accumulate inside but come out. It’s just that sometimes the holes in the plugs become clogged and do not let them through, which can lead to battery failure. 5). After the first steps have been taken, you can begin the charging process itself. According to the instructions for the charger, we connect it to the corresponding terminals of the battery: the “positive” wire to the “plus” of the battery, usually it is red, and the “negative” wire to the “negative” terminal of the battery, usually it is black. If, according to the instructions for the charger, it should be disconnected from the network when connecting to the battery, then now is the time to plug it into the network, and again follow the instructions to set the required charging mode; if you have automatic charging, then just connect and wait for the lights to go out but If they don’t go out, and this often happens, take a multimeter, turn off the charging, let the battery sit for 10-15 minutes and measure the charge.
Wire Classification Options
The typical cable name contains letters and numbers. By decoding these symbols you can find out the main characteristics of products in this category:
- conductor (shell) materials;
- number of cores;
- cross-sectional area;
- Extra options.
Example of decoding (AVBbv-ng):
- A – the core is made of aluminum (copper is not marked);
- B – insulating shells are made of PVC;
- BB – protection against mechanical damage, made of steel tape without a damping gasket;
- ng – components that prevent combustion have been added to the polymer shell.
Marking of wires for alternating three-phase current
The special color designation of the shell helps to determine the purpose of individual lines even without studying the accompanying design documentation:
- gray, purple, orange or red wire – phase;
- yellow and green stripes – grounding;
- blue or a combination of white and blue stripes is neutral.
Such designations simplify installation operations when laying power lines during the assembly of electrical panels. It is especially important to eliminate errors when hidden installation of communications inside building structures is used. In this case, correcting incorrect actions will be accompanied by increased costs.
Oxidation of automotive terminals
Some drivers, upon opening the hood of the car, are surprised to find a cap of oxides on the output pin of the starter battery.
This is where contact is most often broken. It is for this reason that failures most often occur when starting the engine.
Why do some people experience such a malfunction, while others do not?
Is it possible to get rid of such a minor but insidious nuisance?
You can treat the consequences endlessly by cleaning and scrubbing the terminals every week. It is better to identify the cause of oxidation.
The reason for the appearance of oxides on the battery terminals is the leakage of electrolyte through the leak between the output conductor and the housing of the starter battery.
A leak in this area usually occurs for two reasons:
- — there was a manufacturing defect in the production of the battery;
- — the driver was negligent when handling the battery.
Many car owners, when tightening fasteners on a terminal, are too lazy to pick up a second wrench. It would seem that it couldn’t be simpler. Hold the bolt head with one wrench and tighten the nut with the second. But no, they only twist the nut and thereby bend and break out the down conductor.
The plastic cover at the base of the down conductor will naturally become deformed with such barbarism. The appearance of microcracks around down conductors occurs due to careless removal and installation of terminals.
Be careful not to apply too much force!
The appearance of microcracks in the area of down conductors was noticed mainly in batteries of the lower price category.
When the first signs of oxidation appear, you can use improvised materials, for which you need to remove the oxidized terminal and clean it and the current conductor with emery cloth or a metal brush.
From thin felt (military overcoat cloth is suitable), you need to cut a ring with a diameter of 4-5 mm. Make a hole in the middle of such a diameter that the ring fits onto the down conductor.
The ring on both sides must be lubricated with any thick lubricant.
Tested - this method is guaranteed to protect the site of electrolyte leakage. Now the acid will not corrode the terminals.
Regardless of the car and battery, battery terminals oxidize over time. Sometimes there is active oxidation (growths of white powder), and sometimes it is not noticeable, but you will still need to remove the terminals and clean everything.
Oxidation of any intensity causes deterioration of contact between down conductors and terminals with all the ensuing consequences.
If any problems begin to arise with the car, the first thing you need to do is check the condition of the battery.
Poor contact at battery terminals is the main cause of malfunctions and failures.
Weak tightening and, as a result, loose contact between the terminal and the battery conductor leads to poor contact, causing an oxidation reaction. This situation can be eliminated by cleaning the down conductor and terminal.
Wire colors in electrical wiring
The color identification scheme is convenient not only for installation. As a rule, different contractors install and operate electrical wiring. Compliance with standards prevents errors during repair work and in the modernization process.
Something to remember! Domestic standards have changed several times over the past decades. Currently, the markings discussed above are used.
Color of zero working and zero protective wires
The color options for the shells will help you recognize the intended purpose of the conductors:
- blue – working zero;
- transverse or longitudinal combinations of yellow and green stripes - protective zero;
- main blue with a change to a combination of yellow and green stripes at the junctions - combined working and protective zero.
For your information. The last universal option can be done in the reverse way. The main part of the line is created from a combination of yellow and green stripes, with blue color applied at the junctions.
How to determine ground, zero and phase on wires if there are no markings
It is more difficult to determine in practice than in theory. Not all manufacturers comply with the standards. Therefore, when laying a two-phase 220 V network with grounding, you have to use a VVG cable with blue, brown and red colors. Combinations may be different, but without complying with regulatory requirements.
For your information. In old wiring from “Soviet times” there is no color marking. Identical white (gray) shells do not allow the purpose and correspondence of the lines to be known by simple visual inspection.
To avoid problems, it is recommended to carry out installation work using the same type of cable products. When color coding is not available, it should be created at the joints using insulating tape or heat shrink tubing. The latter option is preferable, as it is designed to maintain integrity for a long time.
Below are methods for determining phase and neutral wires with the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In any case, first clarify the network parameters. In old houses, for example, a two-wire connection scheme with a single working and grounding conductor is often used.
The figure shows a modern network with separate grounding and working zero connections. It is possible to connect three and single-phase loads.
Determining the phase using an indicator screwdriver
Touching the tip of such a device to the phase wire closes the current circuit. This is accompanied by the warning lamp or LED lighting up. A built-in resistor limits the current to a safe level.
Best Battery Terminals
Terminals from Glavdor model Gl-61
The Glavdor company specializes in the sale of high quality spare parts. The domestic manufacturer offers a wide selection of car components, including terminals. The car enthusiast is offered a choice from the main categories of terminals in standard configurations. The gl-61 model kit includes a pair of brass terminals. The model is available in stores at a price starting from 200 rubles. It's inexpensive considering the product category. The surface of the parts is painted in bright colors.
Terminals Glavdor model Gl-61
Advantages:
- Democratic price tag;
- Sturdy quality;
- Positive reviews about the model.
Flaws:
- The company has not yet developed a strong reputation.
Review:
“I’ve been using this model for six months now and have no complaints. Current conductivity is stable and the grip is reliable. For a similar price, this is a good option, although it is noticeable that the brass is not in its pure form. I recommend it to anyone looking for reliable terminals at a reasonable cost!”
Terminals from Glavdor model Gl-62
Product from the economy segment from a domestic manufacturer. Made of lead, designed for the thrifty buyer. When buying this model, you should take into account the specifics of the material and its resistance to high and low temperatures. In addition, the parts are made of lead alloy. The surface is painted in a bright silver color. Dimensions are 9 by 2 mm and 5 by 12 mm. The kit includes a pair of terminals. The price of the kit varies depending on the seller. The average cost is 160 rubles.
Terminals Glavdor model Gl-62
Advantages:
- Low cost;
- Thoughtful design;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- There are few reviews about the model on the Internet.
Review:
“I use this model as an intermediate one, and in the future I will buy a brass one. As a temporary measure, these terminals perform their function well. The conductivity is sufficient, but the resistance to high temperatures leaves much to be desired. I recommend this model to anyone looking for a temporary replacement!”
Alca terminals model 509000
Model from a German manufacturer. Although this brand's accessories are made in China, the result meets German quality standards. The company is popular among car enthusiasts and enjoys a reputation as a manufacturer of reliable spare parts. Model 509000 is made of an alloy of brass and tin. Such a connection ensures stable current conductivity, strong adhesion to the battery elements and reduced resistance. The set includes 2 pieces. dimensions 110 by 119 mm and 50 mm in height. The average cost of a model is 250 rubles.
Alca terminals model 509000
Advantages:
- Reliable quality;
- Reduced resistance;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Review:
“I have been using terminals from Alca for more than a year. For such a price, there are no complaints, moreover, the parts are made of brass. The model shows good results in current conductivity and operation at elevated temperatures. I recommend it to anyone looking for brass terminals at a reasonable price!”
Terminals from Autoprofi model Bat/Ter-102
The domestic manufacturer of auto components offers a wide range of terminals of different categories. The company has gained a reputation as a reliable manufacturer of automotive products. The company's products are in the affordable price segment, and therefore are popular among the people. The bat/ter-102 model is universal and will fit most batteries.
Autoprofi terminals model Bat/Ter-102
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Model quality;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- Few reviews.
Review:
“The bat/ter-102 model from Avtopro serves as a spare for me. Among my friends, many people who use this model regularly spoke positively about this terminal, so I decided to purchase it, but for now as a reserve. Would recommend to anyone looking for a spare part!”
Terminals from Autoprofi model Bat/Ter-101
This model is in many ways identical to the previous one, the difference between the copies lies in the nuances of fastening. The terminals are made of lead alloy and are available for sale at prices starting from 113 rubles. When purchasing this copy, you should take into account the specifics of lead regarding operation at high and low temperatures and current conductivity.
Autoprofi terminals model Bat/Ter-101
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Terminal quality;
- Stable conductivity.
Flaws:
- Not identified.
Review:
“I use this terminal temporarily and in this sense it shows good performance. There are complaints about resistance to elevated temperatures, but at this price such nuances are acceptable. Would recommend to anyone looking for a replacement main part!”
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Charging a car battery is easy!
In the first case, the battery cannot be helped and it’s time to replace it with a new one. For the rest, a car charger will help, which can be purchased at any auto store. Usually it looks something like this:
Preparing to charge
- Connect the red charging clamp to the positive terminal of the battery (+).
- Connect the black charging clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.
Note: If you have a so-called serviceable battery, then before charging you need to check that the electrolyte level covers the battery plates. If they are open, you need to add distilled (not from the tap) water until they are closed by 5-10 mm.
Bottom line
White plaque on the battery terminals is not a cosmetic defect; oxidation of the terminals affects the quality characteristics of the battery, and also significantly reduces its uninterrupted operation life. There is no need to delay solving the problem of terminal oxidation, as this can lead to failure of the entire electrical system of the car. If the battery does not work correctly, an additional load is created on the generator, and this can lead to its breakdown. To avoid disastrous consequences, and if you are not ready to constantly replace the battery, carry out the methods described above to combat terminal oxidation regularly, for preventive purposes. And then your battery will thank you with a long and trouble-free service life.
The white coating on the battery terminals only looks interesting, but in fact it causes a lot of problems for both novice and experienced car enthusiasts. Every driver should know why battery terminals oxidize, at least in order to react in a timely manner: properly clean or replace the “tired” battery.
