Maintaining a tubular inverter battery
A tubular lead-acid battery needs a little routine attention to deliver its full life.
Water topping
Use only distilled water. Top up to the indicated level, never overfill. The water topping interval depends on use and temperature; check monthly and top up when the level is low. Never add acid.
Terminals
Keep terminals clean and tight. A thin coat of petroleum jelly on the terminals helps prevent corrosion. Loose or corroded terminals cause voltage drop and heat.
Charging
Let the battery charge fully after a discharge. A chronically undercharged battery sulfates and loses capacity. If power cuts are rare, discharge the battery occasionally and recharge it fully.
Ventilation
Batteries release gas while charging. Install them in a ventilated space, away from sparks and flame.
When to replace
If backup time drops sharply even after correct charging and watering, the battery has likely reached end of life. Check the warranty card for the full-replacement and pro-rata periods before claiming warranty.