Maintenance for stationary batteries shares some requirements with that of lift truck batteries (covered in the previous issue). For example, electrolyte levels are critical, and technicians need proper training on specific procedures.

But there are significant differences in purposes, operating environments, and loads. But most importantly, the consequences of maintenance failures are far greater for stationary batteries.

You may be able to schedule around losing an hour of lift truck use due to a battery failure -- thus minimizing the economic impact to nearly nothing. But lose the load in a credit card processing facility, and you may be looking at millions of dollars in losses.

To ensure your stationary battery maintenance program doesn't set you up for failure, you must evaluate your program and fix the deficiencies. To do it right, you must divide the job up into discrete areas of concern. Then, focus on each area so you can address it thoroughly. A haphazard approach will leave you vulnerable.

A consulting engineer who works in a given area of specialty can help you identify the weaknesses and how to fix them. Begin with these:

• The same model, size, and age.
• Charged at the same rate.
• Equally maintained.

Find the 310.16-310.20 table(s) that:

1. Match the voltage level of the application. The header text just above the table gives the voltage.
2. Match the number of conductors and description of installation. This information follows the voltage in the header text.
3. Include the conductor insulation type that matches that of the conductor you are using. This information is in the heading row of each table, and normally you will use the information in the 90°F column of that heading row.

1. Good ventilation for the room, so gases don't accumulate.
2. A means of preventing the escape of gases into other areas.

• "Ten Trends That Will Shape the Electrical Market," presented by Jim Lucy, chief editor of Electrical Wholesaling magazine. Learn the latest trends in the distribution market and how they can affect your business and the bottom line.
• "Power Cable Basics," presented by John DeDad, senior director, editorial and EC&M development. Learn why an MV power cable is a complex and sophisticated product requiring careful testing and handling. Find out how the current-carrying conductor, laminated dielectric, MV insulation, semiconductive shield, metallic shield, and outer jacket work together to control electrical stress and provide mechanical protection. Also, learn about hi-potential and dissipation factor testing.
• "Hioki 3196 Quickstart Training," a hands-on webinar by PowerCET, will show you how to use the VIEW screen (waveform, vector and DMM displays) to rapidly identify real-time power quality problems and the AUTO SETUP for quick monitor installation. You'll also learn how to create custom setups to capture more meaningful data, identify power quality problems using the 3196's simultaneous capture of power quality and energy data, and use Hioki PC-based software with a compact flash card reader to transfer stored data and perform additional analysis.