"SparkyGuy" wrote in message
obal.net...
Gell-cell batteries in UPS's: other than loading with a known load and
timing
how long it takes to drain the battery, is there a simple way to measure
the
health of a gel-cell? Impedance?

Thanks,
S.


One easy way to tell if the battery is any good is "how many years has it
been in service ?"

Most gell cell batteries have a maximum life of 5 years, this actually
varies from as low as 3 years to 5 years life. If it's at three year
battery and the UPS is not preforming as it should be, replace the
batteries. Also try to get the same brand of battery that's in there for
replacement. There is alot of third party batteries out there that claim to
be just as good as the big name brands, but there not. I like Panasonic and
CSB brands, they are a little bit more pricey, but worth it.

For discharging, look for the AmpHour rating on the battery. If you put a
load on the battery that draws about that much current, you at "1 C" which
means that the battery should supply that current for 1 hour before it is
discharged. For testing batteries, don't use more that that amount of
current because the AH rating falls off above it, and use the 10 volt rule
that a previous poster wrote is a good guide.

Shaun