Battery Temperature

DEC1974 · 03-08-2010, 03:25 AM

I am updating my 1911 Performance Test Checklist, and I am currently working on the Battery Test section. My question is this, has anyone out there ever tried to test a Battery that was 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C)? Since Fire Apparatus should be kept inside, I am just wondering what is the probability of testing a battery that is 0 degrees temperature. Thank You for your help

Fred Rhodes · 03-08-2010, 07:07 AM

I use a combination of a Snap On 500 AMP carbon pile load tester with an inductive amp clamp, and a Midtronic’s 700 to test starting and charging system. Trying to test a battery at 0 deg. F. to check the Cold Cranking Amps would require more time than I have.
The Midtronic’s tester shows the CCA or CA available on AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) commercial lead acid and automotive lead acid batteries with the test taking only a few minutes.
The carbon pile load tester allows me to load test the alternator, batteries and do voltage drop tests on wiring.
The days are limited for the specific gravity float bulb (1.265 to 1.275 @ 77deg.F) and refractory meter testing of non-sealed liquid acid batteries.

http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diag...60&dir=catalog

http://www.midtronics.com/home/produ...00.aspxhttp://

DEC1974 · 03-08-2010, 01:44 PM

The only reason I was asking is because like I said before, I am updating my 1911 Performance Checklist, and I am making it to where all you have to do is input numbers and the spreadsheet will determine if it passes or fails. Whether it be a battery test, voltage drop, or the actual flow of GPM after you input the smooth bore nozzle size and the pitot monitor pressure.

So anyhow, NFPA gives a chart with temperature ranges on it, and it has a Zero degree temperature range. I thought that was kind of pointless considering that most fire apparatus's stay inside the bays. And if it does stay outside then it normally has some sort of Winterization system on it to keep the pipes from freezing, and also to keep the engine and battery fairly warm at least around 40 degree F. But no matter though I still updated my checklist with the Zero range on it. Just wondering about the point of it though. Thanks

03-08-2010, 03:25 AM	#1
DEC1974 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware Posts: 52	Battery Temperature I am updating my 1911 Performance Test Checklist, and I am currently working on the Battery Test section. My question is this, has anyone out there ever tried to test a Battery that was 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C)? Since Fire Apparatus should be kept inside, I am just wondering what is the probability of testing a battery that is 0 degrees temperature. Thank You for your help __________________ v/r Darrell E Cornett Fire Truck Maintenance Dover Air Force Base, DE

03-08-2010, 07:07 AM	#2
Fred Rhodes Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rochester, MN Posts: 115	Re: Battery Temperature I use a combination of a Snap On 500 AMP carbon pile load tester with an inductive amp clamp, and a Midtronic’s 700 to test starting and charging system. Trying to test a battery at 0 deg. F. to check the Cold Cranking Amps would require more time than I have. The Midtronic’s tester shows the CCA or CA available on AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) commercial lead acid and automotive lead acid batteries with the test taking only a few minutes. The carbon pile load tester allows me to load test the alternator, batteries and do voltage drop tests on wiring. The days are limited for the specific gravity float bulb (1.265 to 1.275 @ 77deg.F) and refractory meter testing of non-sealed liquid acid batteries. http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diag...60&dir=catalog http://www.midtronics.com/home/produ...00.aspxhttp:// __________________ Ask questions, some answers will surprise you!! Fred Rhodes Last edited by Fred Rhodes; 03-08-2010 at 07:19 AM.

03-08-2010, 01:44 PM	#3
DEC1974 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware Posts: 52	Re: Battery Temperature The only reason I was asking is because like I said before, I am updating my 1911 Performance Checklist, and I am making it to where all you have to do is input numbers and the spreadsheet will determine if it passes or fails. Whether it be a battery test, voltage drop, or the actual flow of GPM after you input the smooth bore nozzle size and the pitot monitor pressure. So anyhow, NFPA gives a chart with temperature ranges on it, and it has a Zero degree temperature range. I thought that was kind of pointless considering that most fire apparatus's stay inside the bays. And if it does stay outside then it normally has some sort of Winterization system on it to keep the pipes from freezing, and also to keep the engine and battery fairly warm at least around 40 degree F. But no matter though I still updated my checklist with the Zero range on it. Just wondering about the point of it though. Thanks __________________ v/r Darrell E Cornett Fire Truck Maintenance Dover Air Force Base, DE

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