n being able to breathe such air without
coughing or choking, but it certainly does not invite a customer to
linger and spend his money.

The remedy for such a condition is to leave the vent plugs in place on
the batteries that are charging so that the acid spray in the gas from
the battery condenses out as it strikes these plugs and drips back
into the cells, while the gas passes out through the small openings in
the plug.

The plugs need only be screwed into the openings by one turn, or only
set on top of the vent openings to accomplish the result.

This takes no additional time and more than repays for itself in the
saving of rusted tools and improved conditions in the battery room and
surroundings. In charging old Exide batteries, be sure to replace the
vent plugs and turn them to open the air passages which permit the
escape of gases which form under the covers. If you wish to keep these
air passages open without replacing the plugs, which may be done for
convenience, give the valve (see page 21) a quarter turn with a
screwdriver or some other tool.

10. If the electrolyte from a battery rises until it floods over the
top of the jar, it shows that too much water was added when the
battery was put on charge, the water rising to the bottom of the vent
tube, thereby preventing gases formed (except those directly below the
vent hole) from escaping. This gas collects under the covers, and its
pressure forces the electrolyte up into the vent hole and over the top
of the battery. In charging old U.S.L. batteries it is especially
necessary to keep the air vent (see page 20) open to prevent flooding,
since the lower end of the vent tube is normally a little below the
surface of the electrolyte.

Remember, do not have the electrolyte come up to the lower end of the
vent tube.

NOTE: To obtain satisfactory negative cadmium readings, the charging
rate should be high enough to give a cell voltage of 2.5-2.7.

Improperly treated separators, or separators which have been allowed
to become partly dry at any time will make it impossible to obtain
satisfactory negative cadmium readings.

LEAD BURNING (WELDING)

Lead cannot be "burned" in the sense that it bursts into flame as a
piece of paper does when a match is applied to it. If sufficient heat
is applied, the lead will oxidize and feather away into a yellow
looking dust, but it does not burn. The experienced battery man knows
that by "lead burning" is meant the he