Current Draw Test

Current Draw Test

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Trigger Clamp 100 A (VAS 5051B/7)

• Battery Charger (VAS 5903)

• Battery Tester (VAS 6161)


Do not check or charge a battery when the visual indicator has no color or is bright yellow. Jump starting must not be used!

There is a risk of explosion during testing, charging or jump starting.

The battery must be replaced.

Make sure the correct charging mode is set on the battery so the current draw test is not inaccurate.

• Battery charger (VAS 5903)=> [ Battery Charger VAS 5903 ] Battery Charger VAS 5903.

In order to receive an indication as quickly as possible of the battery condition of discharged batteries, a conclusion can be made during the charging process using the current draw as to whether the battery should be replaced or charged completely.

• In the case of the (VAS 6161) , the current draw test must always be conducted when the test result "conduct current draw test" appears in the display.

The current draw test should always be performed if the test using the Battery Tester With Printer (VAS 5097 A) had the following results:

1. Starting power sufficient

2. Starting power insufficient

3. Starting power very insufficient

4. Cannot be tested - charge the battery and perform the test again

5. Battery tester (VAS 5097A) does not turn on (no LED, no printout)


By checking a current draw capacity on a battery during the charging procedure, it can be determined in a short time whether a partially discharged or severely discharged battery => [ Severely Discharged Batteries ] Severely Discharged Batteries can become operable again by further charging.

• When charging a battery, the temperature of the battery must be at least 10 °C (50° F).

• The charger must be able to deliver at least 30 A charging current, such as (VAS 5903).

• The (VAS 5903) indicates the current draw.

Procedure

- Connect the battery to the battery charger and start the charging process.

- Measure the battery charge current after five minutes.

Test Result

The charge current must be above 10% of the nominal capacity five minutes after charging begins.

Example

With a 60 Ah battery, the charge current must be greater than 6 amps five minutes after charging begins.

- Fully charge the battery if the charge current is higher than 10% of the nominal capacity.

- Let the battery sit for two hours and then perform the battery load test again. Refer to => [ Battery Tester VAS 6161 ] Battery Tester VAS 6161 or => [ Midtronics Battery Tester ] Midtronics Battery Tester.

Replace the battery if the charge current is less than 10% of the nominal capacity in amperes (less than 6 A for a 60 Ah).

- In warranty and goodwill cases, fill out the battery test sheet and keep it with the battery.