How to Care for Industrial Batteries

While industrial batteries operate using the same principles as their commercial-grade counterparts, there are several differences that may need to be taken into account to ensure safe use, effective charging and secure storage.

From periodic inspection, cleaning and refilling to storage environments that offer protection from moisture, physical damage or extreme temperatures, learning how to properly care for industrial batteries is never a consideration that should go overlooked.

Commercial batteries are not designed to stand up to the rigors and stresses typically found within an industrial environment. Industrial-grade batteries are designed to be rugged and can provide a level of performance with far outstrips their commercial counterparts in terms of both output and service life.

In addition to warehouses and manufacturing facilities, industrial batteries are used to power devices in remote locations where service and maintenance are not always available. They are made to pack as much energy density as possible into a small package, minimize self-discharge and handle multiple charging sessions in order to optimize their service life.

Industrial batteries are typically found in a variety of tools and equipment used throughout construction, manufacturing and other heavy industries. Common examples include:

• Power tools
• Forklifts and other small vehicles
• Portable and semi-portale manufacturing equipment
• Lighting and illumination

Commercial batteries are often a poor choice when it comes to powering devices in a remote locations, wilderness settings and other off-grid environments. When durability and reliable operation are top priorities, industrial-grade batteries are typically the portable power supply of choice.

In the event of an accident or mishap, the greater power density of an industrial battery may pose a far more significant risk in terms of damage to property or the potential to create a safety hazard.

Failing to adhere to the operational standards and guidelines provided by the battery's manufacturer, using a battery to power the wrong device or attempting to use a battery that has been damaged or malfunctioning can be more dangerous than many operators realize. Safety is always the first priority when working with electricity.

Batteries should be charged before their power levels fall below 20 percent. Discharging the battery's power supply entirely in between charging sessions may negatively impact performance, shorten its service life or increase the risk of overcharging. Routine inspection and periodic cleaning of an industrial battery is also an important part of maintenance.

A big issue that many people overlook is the need to water your batteries when its levels begin to fall. Watering your batteries will increase their ability to hold a charge, and diminishes the chances of the battery suffering from a variety of performance issues.

Placing batteries within a secure storage environment when not in use is also an important concern. While industrial batteries are rugged enough to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, even high levels of ambient humidity may create problems. Being physically damaged can also destroy the battery.

Despite the rugged nature of their design and construction, the physical forces that industrial equipment may be able to produce may still be more than enough to either destroy an industrial battery or to damage it beyond repair.