When was the last time you checked the batteries on your power generator? If you don't know the answer, then it is a good bet that the inspection is long overdue. Proper battery maintenance is essential for reliable generator operation. Most batteries have an effective lifespan of around three years, and as with all batteries, they will lose their "oomph" as time passes. When the battery fails, the generator will become inoperable until it is replaced. As you gear up to perform other tests, including thermal imaging inspections, make sure to test the battery while you're at it.

Testing Battery Parameters

A healthy battery should maintain a consistent capacity that is 90% or more of the manufacturer's listed rating. If your battery falls below this range, you should plan to replace it in the near future. If it falls below 80% during your test, most generator manufacturers stipulate that you should replace it immediately.

Your first measurement of capacity and resistance are your baseline measurements. You should also conduct thermal imaging to determine baseline temperature. It's essential to record these to determine battery performance accurately. Common indicators that the battery is failing include a drop in capacity of 10% or greater when compared to the baseline. You may also notice a 20% or greater increase in resistance to the baseline.

Thermal imaging can help determine if the battery is performing within acceptable temperature parameters. And finally, inspect the plate condition. If it is degraded, then it is recommended to replace the battery.

Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Battery Testing

It would be best if you established a routine battery inspection schedule. This helps ensure that problems don't fall through the cracks and cause disruptions to your operations.

You should test the following monthly, quarterly, and annually:

• Overall float voltage


• Charger output current/voltage


• DC float current


• Ambient temperature

The following should be tested quarterly and annually:

• The temperature of the negative terminal within each battery cell


• Internal ohmic value of each cell or unit

The following should be tested annually:

• Cell-to-cell and connection detail resistance


• AC ripple current/voltage

Gen-Tech Can Test Your Batteries

At Gen-Tech, our EGSA certified technicians can test your batteries to ensure they deliver the power and performance you require. We use thermal imaging, visual inspections, and the most up-to-date guidance in the industry to perform our battery testing services.

Our technicians will provide you with a thorough report of our findings. We'll help you identify potential faults with your battery systems and recommend solutions to resolve the issues we discover. We adhere to the strictest testing standards, and you can rest assured that the results we provide will be accurate and reliable.

To schedule battery testing using our thermal imaging systems and other techniques, contact Gen-Tech at (800) 625-8324. It's our pleasure to schedule an appointment for our EGSA certified technicians to inspect your batteries and other systems.