Information Sheet 1.1.

TYPES OF BATTERY

Below are two types of automotive batteries. On the left, caps can be removed to check the battery
state of charge and to add water if needed. On the right, a maintenance-free battery that requires no
additional water. The charge indicator in the top shows the state of change.

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2 PARTS OF THE LEAD ACID BATTERY CONSTRUCTION

The battery case is molded plastic. The plates are molded to plate straps to form plate groups. To
make a battery cell, a positive plate group fits into a negative plate group. Porous separators are
placed between the plates. This prevents positive and negative plates from touching while allowing
electrolyte to circulate between the plate. The assembly of plate groups and separators is an element.
The elements fit into compartments in the battery case to favor cells. Heavy leads connectors attach
to the cell terminals and connect the cells in series. A plastic cover forms the top of the battery. Some
batteries have openings in the cover from when filler plugs or vent caps are removed to add water
maintenance free batteries do not have removable caps.

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WORKING SAFELY AROUND BATTERIES

Follow the safety cautions listed below when working with batteries, testing orcharging battery.

1. The sulfuric acid in the electrolyte is very corrosive. It will eat holes in cloth. It can cause serious
burn if it sets on your skin. It can make you blind if it gets into your eyes. Wear eye protector when
working with testing or charging a battery. If you get battery acid on your skin, flush it off at once with
water. If you get battery acid (electrolyte) into your eyes, flush them with water at once then go to
the school nurse, a doctor or hospital emergency room.

2. When disconnecting a battery, always disconnect the negative or ground cable first3. If the battery
has vent caps, make sure the vent holes are open before charging. Cover the caps with a damp cloth.
Discard the cloth after the battery is charged4. Never lean over a changing battery5. Do not charge a
frozen battery for maintenance-free battery because the charge indicator dot shows light yellow or
clear the battery could explode .
SELF – CHECK No.1

LO 1. TEST AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY

Directions: Select the correct answer to each question and write the letter on the blank

provided for.

________1. The battery in an electro chemical device, this means the battery

a. makes chemicals by electronic means

b. uses chemicals to provide electricity

c. has non-chemical plates

d. does not use an electrolyte

________2. The battery performs the following EXCEPT

a. supplies current to crank the engine

b. supplies current when the charging system cannot handle the lead

c. supplies current to the ignition system with the engine is off.

d. supplies current to the ECM while the engine is off

________3. When working around the battery be sure to;

a. Disconnect the negative first

b. Disconnect the positive first

c. Never disconnect the terminals

d. A and B

________4. A type of battery which do not have removable cups.

a. maintenance free battery

b. battery with caps

c. 3A battery
d. B and A