Lesson 2/Learning Event 2
Electrolyte solution used for tropical climates should have a specific gravity of 1.200 to 1.225. You
will have to weaken the solution yourself. Do this by drawing electrolyte from a supply that is
already mixed to 1.280 specific gravity and add battery water until the mixture has a specific gravity
of 1.200 to 1.225. You will need to add about 1 quart of water to 1 gallon of electrolyte.
If the battery was in use before it was sent to the tropics, change the electrolyte in the following
manner. Make sure that the battery is fully charged, so there will be no acid left in the plates.
Then, remove the vent plugs and tip the battery upside down to drain all the old electrolyte. Refill
the battery with electrolyte that has been weakened to 1.200 to1.225 specific gravity.
WARNING
Be careful to avoid getting any of the electrolyte on yourself or your clothes.
The acid can cause painful burns and will eat holes in your clothing.
The following table shows various specific gravities and the state of charge for batteries with
weakened electrolyte for use in the tropics.
Specific gravity of electrolyte
used in tropical climates
State of battery charge
1.200 - 1.225
Fully charged
1.180
75 percent
1.135
50 percent
1.090
25 percent
1.045
Discharged
When the electrolyte in a battery has been weakened, a tag showing the full charge specific gravity
should be attached to the battery. These batteries should also be identified by a white dot about 1
inch in diameter painted on the top of the battery where it can be easily seen.
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