Refilling SLA’s (Sealed Lead Acid battery), Like Refilling a Car Battery
Are they low on water?
Well if you answered yes to either of those questions, This Instructable is for you
DISCLAIMER
I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY SPILLAGE OF BATTERY ACID, INJURY, STUFFING UP A GOOD SLA ETC.
Step 1: Materials/Tools
- Safety Glasses (So you don’t get mild battery acid in your eyes (like I did))
- Funnel or something to put water into the cells
- Very small flat-head screwdriver
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Battery Charger (optional)
Materials
- De-ionized water (you can use tap water but it’s not reccommended)
rimar2000 says:
You can also use rain water without problem. But it must be very clean. You can collect it whit a clean plastic sheet as funnel, and a clean plastic barrel as container. IT IS FREE!!!
- Dry or nearly empty SLA
Step 2: Pry off the cover
This will not work on the SLA’s with a single cover for each of the valves unless they have pry holes.
Step 3: Take the cell vents off
Using your needle nosed pliers, Pull off the rubber vent covers.
Be careful because this could spit battery acid at you (NOT GOOD!)
Step 4: Add water to the cells
Add De-ionized water/water to the cells by using your funnel or similar.
Warning, You have to estimate how much water to add, Adding too much will cause it to leak/spit when being charged.
Step 5: Put the rubber caps back on and charge
You should probably charge it before putting the caps on so the water can boil off……
Put all the caps back on the cells.
Connect to a battery charger and put a towel or rag over the SLA in case it was filled to much and needs to vent, If it vents it will probably pop off the rubber caps, Just put them back on.
Step 6: Put the cover back on
Use any type of mild to strong adhesive to stick the cover to the battery, remember not to fully seal the top so that the gases can escape.
Now you’re done!
Report how good/bad your refilled battery has performed.