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Care of Nickel-Iron-Alkaline Storage Battery

Author: E.E. Kimberly

No permanent injury results when a nickel-iron-alkaline battery is over-discharged or is allowed to stand in a discharged condition. Water must be added occasionally to replace that lost by ''gassing." The gases produced are inflammable, and charging requires the same safety precautions as described for lead-acid batteries. The fumes are not corrosive to wood or metal, as are those of the lead-acid battery, and need not be guarded against. The electrolyte should be renewed at intervals of 3 to 6 years. When the battery is to be stored, it should be fully discharged and short-circuited.

Comparison of Lead-Acid and Nickel-Iron-Alkaline Batteries.

Advantages of the lead-acid battery are as follows:

1. It has much higher momentary overload capacity.

2. It has less change in voltage between full charge and maximum practical discharge.

3. It costs less for comparable capacity.

4. Its efficiency is higher than that of the nickel-iron-alkaline battery.

Advantages of the nickel-iron-alkaline battery are:

1. Its weight is less for comparable capacity.

2. It requires less attention.

3. It does not give off obnoxious fumes,

4. It has a longer life.




Last Update: 2010-10-05