Information Release Memo BAT04-04 April 2004

Batteries
BATTERY SHELF LIFE – INVENTORY - IDENTIFICATION
GUIDELINES

Caterpillar has two different types of batteries in the Premium High Output (PHO) and
General Service Line (GSL) product lines - batteries that are shipped pre-filled with
electrolyte, or “wet” batteries, and those that are shipped without electrolyte, or “dry”
batteries. These batteries can be either, Maintenance Free, or low-maintenance required (i.e.
1,000 hour recommended checking of water levels). Wet and dry batteries have different
shelf lives. It is important to know the shelf life of each type so your customers receive fresh
batteries that perform as expected, and to protect the profitability of your battery program.

Batteries can either be non-accessible or accessible. A wet or dry accessible battery can still
be a Maintenance Free battery if it is constructed using calcium/calcium technology (calcium
lead alloy in both the positive and negative plates). For example, the PHO part #’s 175-
4360/175-4370/175-4390/115-2422/115-2421 and the new 250-0480 have accessible covers
but are Maintenance Free Batteries. Accessible covers provide flexibility to customers who
either by legal requirement (i.e. Fire Codes, NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency & Standby
Power Systems) or by their preferred maintenance practice need the ability to check water
levels, even through the battery is Maintenance Free and requires no maintenance.

PHO & GSL Dry Batteries

Dry batteries have an indefinite shelf life, however, if they are stored for a year or more,
boost charging may be needed when filling. Dry batteries “self-activate” when filled with
electrolyte… which is recommended only at the time of sale. Make sure the caps on these
batteries are secure to prevent entry of dirt, debris or moisture.

We currently have one Maintenance Free PHO battery part # 115-2421, which is shipped dry,
it has calcium/calcium technology. Several GSL dry batteries also have Maintenance Free
calcium/calcium technology: Part # 8T-9734, 9X-1382, 145-4517, 145-4518, 3E-8925, 9X-
1384 and 9X-1383

PELJ0336 Printed in U.S.A. © 2004 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved

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Wet GSL Batteries with Vent Caps

Most GSL wet batteries that have vent caps, have a shelf life of six months. Recharging at
the end of this period can double the six-month shelf life. Only one recharge is
recommended. These batteries use low antimony grids: GSL Part #’s 8C-3620/
8C-3622/8C-3623/8C-3624/8C-3629/8C-3630/8C-3632/8C-3635/8C-3639/8C-3641/
5R-9119 and do not have the maintenance free calcium/calcium technology.

Wet, Maintenance Free, PHO & GSL Batteries

Maintenance Free wet batteries are constructed of calcium/calcium technology, which

expands their shelf life. These batteries have a shelf life of one year; however, shelf life can
be doubled if charged at the end of the one-year storage period. Only one recharge is
recommended.

Storage and Inventory Control Practices

Storage temperature is critical for batteries. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry area in
an upright position. Keep them as cool as possible, but above freezing for maximum battery
life.

In hot climates, your charge voltage will drop at a quicker rate. Heat will discharge batteries
quickly and batteries must be kept away from ceiling heat. Here is an example of battery
discharge rate, based on heat:

Discharge Rate:

3% per month at 70°deg. F (21.1 deg. C).

6% per month at 90° deg. F. (32.2 deg. C).
Add 3% for every 20° deg. F (6.6 deg. C) higher temperature

Battery Stacking

Never stack batteries directly on top of each other unless they’re in cartons or on shipping
pallets protected by corrugated packaging. Do not stack batteries more than two high (three
high if automotive type batteries). Batteries must be in either cartons or have protected
corrugated packaging placed between each stacked layer
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Stock Rotation & Charging

Batteries require periodic stock rotation and routine charging. Always rotate stock using the
FIFO (First In, First Out) method. As batteries age, they become discharged. Twelve-volt
batteries when new will measure 12.6 volts or more. With long periods of storage, this charge
voltage drops (quicker in hot weather, slower in cold). Always charge batteries when they
drop below 12.4 volts because they may not start an engine. ALWAYS TEST
BATTERIES BEFORE INSTALLATION, AND CHARGE IF NECESSARY..

If batteries are stored until the voltage drops below 12.0 volts, they should not be sold as a
new battery since performance and service life could be reduced. The above voltage
requirements should be halved for 6-volt batteries. In order to observe these guidelines, you
must know when the batteries were received—which is when the shelf life begins. Some
batteries are packaged in cartons and have the recharge date stamped on the carton. Keep the
battery in the carton until it is put to use. (See section on Identification of Battery
Manufacturing dates)

Battery Charging Tips

FOLLOW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS-WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION

Note: It is recommended that you utilize Battery Maintenance Wall Chart – PEWP4050 in
your shop or battery storage areas.

Batteries should be boost charged if the open circuit voltage (voltmeter) reading is
below 12.4 volts. (See open circuit voltage chart)
• Prior to charging read the manufacturer's instructions for proper charger hook-up
and use.
• Turn charger OFF and disconnect battery prior to hook-up to avoid dangerous
sparks.
• A battery that has NOT begun to accept the MINIMUM (1/2 of recommended)
charging current WITHIN 15 minutes at the highest charger setting (or voltage) should
be replaced.
• If violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs or the battery case feels hot to the
touch, temporarily reduce or halt charging.
• NEVER attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow it to warm up to room temperature
before placing on charge.
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BATTERY CHARGING RATE/TIME TABLES

Amp Hr Rating Charging Rate

15-34 5 Amps
35-49 7.5 Amps
50-69 10 Amps
70-99 15 Amps
100-129 20 Amps
130-164 25 Amps
165-199 30 Amps
200-249 35 Amps

OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE

12 Volt Battery 8 Volt Battery 6 Volt Battery Charging Time

12.40 & Above 8.27 & Above 6.20 & Above Load Test – No Charging Required
12.39 - 12.20 8.26 – 8.13 6.19 – 6.10 2.0 Hours
12.19 - 12.00 8.12 – 8.00 6.09 – 6.00 3.0 Hours
Below 12.00 Below 8.00 Below 6.00 4.0 Hours
PROTECT YOUR EYES!

Identification of Battery Manufacturing Dates

All battery manufacturers have some type of markings on the battery case that help to
determine when the battery was manufactured, and in the case of wet batteries, when the
battery was shipped from the battery manufacturer.

All PHO & General Service Batteries (Except 3T-5760, 9X-3404 and DIN sized
Batteries produced by Delphi)

Wet batteries shipped from our supplier (East Penn Mfg.) will have a small date code sticker
affixed to the top of the battery (or stamped on the battery carton if one provided), which
denotes the month and year of shipment. This sticker is not used on dry batteries since they
are not activated. The label uses the following universal battery date codes:
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UNIVERSAL DATE CODES

Month Year
A – January 9 – 1999
B – February 0 – 2000
C – March 1 – 2001
D – April 2 – 2002
E – May
3 – 2003
F – June
G –July 4 – 2004
H – August 5 – 2005
J – September 6 – 2006
K – October 7 – 2007
L – November 8 – 2008
M – December
NOTE: The letter I
is not used to
designate a month…
too easy to confuse Example: F1 = Battery Shipped June 2001
with 1 (one)

These labels are normally affixed starting the mid point of the month. For Example:
Batteries shipped 1/1/04 to 1/15/04 get A4 label. 1/16/04 to 02/15/04 get B4 label...and
so on. This is done to factor in a delivery time cushion from time of shipment till received at
dealer or distribution point (i.e. freight forwarder).

Generally, Cat® PHO batteries are built to order and in rare cases are not kept in stock at the
manufacturer longer than 60-120 days. If kept longer, Cat specifications call for the
manufacturer to get approval from Cat Engineering for recharge of wet Batteries.

All Batteries (Except 3T-5760, 9X-3404 & DIN sized produced by Delphi)

Both wet and dry PHO and GSL batteries (produced by East Penn Mfg.) will have a number
etched into the side ledge of the top cover of the battery. This is a long number that is unique
to their system requirements but the first four numbers designated year and day of
manufacture of the battery. All the other numbers relate to production lines/plants.
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How to identify the date of assembly of the battery (which may or may not be the date of
actual filling of the battery with electrolyte) from this number:

For example: a number 30091234567 means:

3 = produced in year 2003,
009 means the 9th day of the year (January 9th).
A number 41061234567 means:
4 = produced in year 2004,
106 means the 106th day of the year. (April 15th)

PHO Battery 9X-9720 Produced In Europe

The dry 9X-9720 is also produced in Europe

for EAME dealers. The battery produced in
Europe will have a different code to denote
year, month and day of manufacturer. A
number is stamped into the top cover of the
battery.

For example: A number code C7T384153 0122 is read as follows:

C=Manufacturer 7= Assembly line T= Dry battery 3= year 2003 84 = 80 + month (4=April

04 +80 = 84) 15=day of the month 3=shift 0122=number of the battery in the shift. If
this battery has been activated (with acid) for use in our production plants, it will also have a
date code sticker on the cover which denotes month and year of shipment and the filling date
will be stamped on the negative terminal. (Top two numbers are year, bottom two numbers
the week in the year…03= 2003 31 = 31st week of year.)
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3T-5760 -- 9X-3404 & DIN Sized Batteries – Produced by Delphi

These wet batteries shipped from Delphi will have a date of manufacturer code stamped into
the case cover near the terminal. They should also have a sticker affixed to the top of the
battery (or stamped on the battery carton if one provided), which denotes the month and year
of shipment. The stamped code and the sticker will follow the same universal designation for
month/year as shown for all wet batteries.

For all batteries produced outside of Europe:

The stamped code will appear as follows:
3 MK 22.

3= Year (2003)
M=December (per Universal table)
K= Battery Plant (in this case, Kansas)
22=Day of Month.
______________________________
For batteries produced in Europe:
The stamped code will appear as follows:
22 3 MF
22= Day of Month
3 = Year (2003)
M= December (per Universal table)
F = Battery Plant (in this case France)
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Material Safety Data Sheets

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is provided by the manufacturer of a product to

describe any physical and chemical hazards associated with that product.
Caterpillar Inc. provides Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all Batteries sold
worldwide. The sheets provide the name of the battery manufacturer, a description of the
product, emergency phone numbers, Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information,
Physical/Chemical Characteristics, Fire and Explosion Hazard Data, Reactivity Data, Health
Hazard Data, Precautions for Safe Handling, Use and Control Measures.
MSDS are available in PDF format on cat.com. To search, view, and print Material Safety
Data Sheets for Caterpillar® products go to www.catmsds.com. When the screen appears, go
to the part number section and type in the part number. Some Material Safety Data Sheets
are available in selected languages.
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Supporting Literature

The following is a listing of battery literature, currently in the system, which provides related
information on Battery Servicing and Maintenance.

Proper Charging Techniques-Truck Batteries with Stud Terminals – PELJ0298

East Penn Mfg. Inc. Recycling Procedures – NACD only – PELJ0258
Battery Maintenance Wall Chart – PEWP4050
Battery Test Procedure – SEHS7633
Battery Service Manual (Reprinted from Battery Council International) – SEBD0625
Battery Specification Sheet – PEHP2001
Battery Cross Reference Guide – PEGP7801 Also available in PDF. format on:
http://www.cat.com/services/shared/parts_n_service/01_batteries/01_Cross_Reference_Guid
e/Cross_Reference_Guide.html
Digital Battery Analyzer – NEHP6014 (and Test Sheet REHS0009)
Battery Life Estimator – Available on Cat internal sites:
https://productsupportglobalcontent.cat.com/cda/components/fullArticle/0,,m-20007_x-
7,00.html?id=4961
https://lacd.cat.com/cda/components/fullArticle/0,,m-16747_x-7,00.html?id=4961
https://apd.cat.com/cda/components/fullArticle/0,,m-16341_x-7,00.html?id=4961
https://eame.cat.com/cda/components/fullArticle/0,,m-16241_x-7,00.html?id=4961
https://nacd.cat.com/infocast/frames/prodsupp/battery/batestim/index.htm

Recycle all scrap batteries.

Don Van Dyke

Maintenance, Supplies, Appearance & Safety Parts
Batteries & Other Maintenance Products
Mail Code: LC-2188 Phone: (309) 494-5924 FAX: (309) 675-1552
Internet Mail: Van_Dyke_Donald_G@cat.com

This IRM can be viewed and downloaded electronically from the Internet. Please
refer to your marketing organization specific site for access to the Electronic Sales
Library which contains all of the active IRMs and product support communication
materials.

Electronic Sales Library

NACD Dealers – https://nacd.cat.com/infocast/frames/machine/doc/
EAME Dealers – https://cosa.cat.com/infocast/frames/literatur/cosalibrary/
LACD Dealers – https://caco.cat.com/infocast/frames/PSE/media/esl/
APD dealers – https://apdnet.cat.com/infocast/frames/
Internal Caterpillar Employees – http://cds.cat.com/PSMprev.nsf/$$MediaNumber