he
charge may start at as high a rate as 50 amperes. If this system of
charging is used, the temperature must be watched very carefully and
gassing must be looked for. With the usual series method of charging,
a charge may, in an emergency, be started at 20 amperes or more. As a
general rule do not use a higher rate than 10 amperes. A five ampere
rate is even better, but more time will be required for the charge.

Time Required for a Charge. The time required is not determined by the
clock, but by the battery. Continue the charge until each cell is
gassing freely (not violently) and for five hours after the specific
gravity has stopped rising. The average condition of batteries brought
in for charge permits them to be fully charged in about 48 hours, the
time being determined as stated above. Some batteries may charge fully
in less time, and some may require from four days to a week, depending
entirely upon the condition of the batteries. Do not give any promise
as to when a recharge battery will be ready. No one can tell how long
it will take to charge.

Specific Gravity at the End of the Charge. The specific gravity of the
electrolyte in a fully charged cell should be from 1.280 to 1.300. If
it varies more than 10 points above or below these values, adjust it
by drawing off some of the electrolyte with a hydrometer and adding
water to lower the gravity, or 1.400 acid to raise the gravity. After
adjusting the gravity charge for one hour more.

Battery Voltage at End of Charge. The voltage of a fully charged cell
is from 2.5 to 2.7 when the temperature of the electrolyte is 80
degrees Fahrenheit; 2.4 to 2.6 when the temperature of the electrolyte
is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and 2.35 to 2.55 volts when the temperature
of the electrolyte is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and this voltage,
together with hydrometer readings of 1.280-1.300 indicate that the
battery is fully charged.

Just before putting a battery which has been charged into service,
give it a 15 seconds high rate discharge test, see page 266.

Painting. Before returning a battery to the owner wipe it perfectly
clean and dry. Then wipe the covers, terminals, connectors and handles
with a rag wet with ammonia. Next give the case a light coat of black
paint which may be made by mixing lamp black and shellac. This paint
dries in about five minutes and gives a good gloss. The customer may
not believe that you are returning the battery which he brought in but
he wil