Technical manual section 19 (2)

400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 SURFACE VEHICLE STANDARD Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard REV SEP2000 J537 Issued Revised 1914-01 2000-09 Superseding J537 JUN94 (R) Storage Batteries Scope—This SAE Standard serves as a guide for testing procedures of automotive 12 V storage batteries and as a publication providing information on container holddown configuration and terminal geometry 1.1 The ratings submitted are to be based on procedures described in this document The ratings submitted must be of a level that when any subsequent significant sample is tested in accordance with this document, that at least 90% of the batteries shall meet the ratings The choice of 90% compliance recognizes that batteries consist of many plates and require chemical-electrical formation procedures and small variations in test conditions and procedures can affect the performance of individual batteries 1.2 Applications—This document applies to lead-acid types of storage batteries used in motor vehicles, motorboats, tractors, and starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications which use regulated charging systems References 2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein The latest issue of SAE publications shall apply 2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 SAE J240—Life Test for Automotive Storage Batteries SAE J1495—Test Procedure for Battery Flame Retardant Venting Systems SAE J2185—Life Test for Heavy-Duty Storage Batteries Electrical Testing Procedure—Individual battery performance values are to be determined by the procedures outlined under Sampling, Conditioning, and Sequence of Tests Danger of Exploding Batteries Batteries contain sulfuric acid and they produce explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen Because selfdischarge action generates hydrogen gas even when the battery is not in operation, make sure batteries are stored and worked on in a well-ventilated area ALWAYS wear safety goggles and a face shield when working on or near batteries When working with batteries: SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.” SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled SAE invites your written comments and suggestions TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790 SAE WEB ADDRESS http://www.sae.org Copyright 2000 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc All rights reserved Printed in U.S.A SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 a b c d e f Always wear proper eye, face, and hand protection Keep all sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from the battery Do not remove or damage vent caps Cover vent caps with a damp cloth Make sure work area is well-ventilated Never lean over battery while boosting, testing, or charging 3.1 Sampling—Compliance determination samples shall be selected from normal production Batteries tested should be new, unused, and not less that 14 and not more than 60 days from date of manufacture 3.2 Battery Conditioning and Charging 3.2.1 CHARGING TEMPERATURES—Charging must not be started if electrolyte temperature is below 16 °C (60 °F) and during charge the temperature must be maintained between 16 °C (60 °F) and 43 °C (110 °F) 3.2.2 ELECTROLYTE STRENGTH—Batteries shall be tested with the electrolyte as supplied by the manufacturer 3.2.2.1 Corrections to Specific Gravity—Electrolyte specific gravity readings are to be corrected to a standard temperature of 27 °C (80 °F) Specific gravity decreases as liquid temperature increases, and vice versa Test measurements made at other temperatures (T) must be corrected to the standard temperature using the following equations: Specific gravity at 27 °C = measured value + 0.0007 (T-27) (Eq 1) Specific gravity at 80 °F = measured value + 0.0004 (T-80) (Eq 2) where: T is in °C where: T is in °F Electrolyte temperature shall be measured above the plates in an intermediate cell 3.2.2.2 Corrections to Voltage—When constant current charging, the on charge terminal voltage is to be corrected to a standard temperature of 27 °C (80 °F) It must be reduced with increased temperature and vice versa, using the following formulae: Terminal voltage at 27 °C = reading + (0.0378[T-27]) (Eq 3) where: T is in °C Terminal voltage at 80 °F = reading + (0.021[T-80]) (Eq 4) where: T is in °F Electrolyte temperature shall be measured above the plates in an intermediate cell Corrections not need to be made to open circuit voltage readings or to voltages measured during discharge -2- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.2.3 CONSTANT CURRENT CHARGING 3.2.3.1 Batteries With Access to Electrolyte—Charging at appropriate constant current must be outlined until the criteria establishing full charge are achieved The constant current is to be set at a whole ampere value which lies between 1/2 and 3/4 of 1% of the –18 °C cranking performance rating (in amperes) (unless the ratio of cold cranking rating [amperes] divided by reserve capacity rating [minutes] is less than 5.0—then, the constant current is to be set at a whole number ampere value between 3/4 and 1% of the –18 °C cranking performance rating) Batteries which are similar in design and which have been discharged to approximately the same extent may be series connected for recharge up to the voltage capacity of the charger unit Two basic criteria may be used to recognize when the battery is fully charged: a When the temperature corrected specific gravity of the electrolyte is constant within ±0.002 over three successive hourly intervals, or b When the temperature corrected on charge terminal voltage at the constant current does not change by more than 0.048 V per hour over three successive hourly intervals 3.2.3.2 3.2.4 Batteries Without Access to Electrolyte—In batteries which operate with excess liquid electrolyte, provision to measure specific gravities and temperatures is to be made by carefully cutting holes through the cover in locations recommended by the manufacturer These holes must be capable of being closed to retain integrity of the venting system Adjustments to electrolyte strength or volume in such batteries are not permitted during preparation or testing CONSTANT VOLTAGE CHARGING—Constant voltage charging is authorized, but not recommended unless the correct applied voltage for the battery is known Applied voltages will need to be selected between 14.4 V and 16 V as battery chemistries and designs differ When the correct applied voltage is not known, testing laboratories should request information on voltage and charging time from the battery manufacturer For constant voltage charging, the charger output must be capable of at least 25 Amperes per battery when parallel connected units are charged In conjunction with constant voltage charging, a mixing charge at a constant current rate, and for a fixed time period and in accordance with recommendations of the battery manufacturer, is allowed to promote electrolyte mixing and to ensure complete recharge 3.2.5 VALVE REGULATED BATTERIES(VRLA)—No provision for directly reading electrolyte specific gravities or temperature can be made on batteries using electrolyte in gel form or absorbed in separators Charging of valve regulated batteries should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer 3.2.6 DRY CHARGED OR SIMILAR BATTERIES WHICH NEED ELECTROLYTE TO ACTIVATE—If an activation test is required, refer to customer specifications; otherwise, fill according to the battery manufacturer’s instructions, charge and condition according to 3.2.1 through 3.2.4, and then test as any other filled and charged battery according to 3.3 3.3 Sequence of Tests 3.3.1 Charge battery according to methods given under Conditioning and Charging (3.2), and repeat this before each discharge 3.3.2 Perform tests according to the sequence in Table -3- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 TABLE 1—SEQUENCE OF TESTS Standard Test Sequence Minimum Required to Conduct any Optional Tests (Event 9) Dry Charge Battery Activation (if Required)—Paragraph 3.2.6 x Preconditioning—Paragraph 3.2 x x Reserve Capacity Test—Paragraph 3.5 x x Charge Rate Acceptance Test—Paragraph 3.6 x Cold Cranking Test at –18 °C (0 °F)—Paragraph 3.7 x x Reserve Capacity Test x (1) Cold Cranking Test at -29 °C (–20 °F) x (2) Reserve Capacity Test (3) Optional tests a Cranking Characterization, Paragraph 3.7.2 b SAE J240, paragraph 3.8.1 c SAE J2185, paragraph 3.8.2 d Vibration, paragraph 3.8.3 e Standard/Rechargeability Test, Paragraph 3.9.1 f Gassing Rate Characteristic, Paragraph 3.9.2 g SAE J1495, paragraph 3.9 Test events and are not required if the Reserve Capacity rating is met in Event Optional Test event required if this test is run Test event is not required if the Reserve Capacity rating is met in Events or 3.4 New batteries may require extra conditioning, not afforded by test event 2, in determining their true reserve capacity, therefore, the highest reserve capacity test value obtained for each battery in test events 3, 6, or shall be used as the reserve capacity performance of that battery Statistical use of these data must be agreed upon by customer and supplier 3.5 Reserve Capacity Test—Fully charge the battery according to 3.2 Allow it to stand at room temperature for to 96 h During the stand period, regulate battery temperature so that electrolyte temperature, measured above the plates in an intermediate cell, is stabilized at 27 °C ± °C (80 °F ± °F) before the start of the discharge Discharge the battery at 25 A ± 0.1 A During discharge, using any convenient method, maintain electrolyte temperature within the range 24 °C (75 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) Results will not be considered valid if electrolyte temperature moves outside this range before the end of the discharge End the discharge when the voltage across the battery terminals has fallen to the equivalent of 10.5 V ± 0.05 V, noting the discharge duration in minutes and the electrolyte temperature at the cut-off point Correct the discharge duration for final temperature different from 27 °C (80 °F) using the formulae which follow and record the corrected time as the Reserve Capacity achieved M c = M r [ – 0.009 ( T final – 27 ) ] where: Mc = minutes corrected to 27 °C (80 °F) Mr = minutes actually run -4- (Eq 5) SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 Tfinal = temperature of electrolyte above the plates in an intermediate cell at end of discharge, °C 0.009 = temperature correction factor For Tfinal in °F use: M c = M r [ – 0.005 ( T final – 80 ) ] 3.6 (Eq 6) Rechargeability and Charge Rate Acceptance—This test determines the battery capability to accept charge at low temperature when fully discharged, and to determine the rate at which the battery would accept the charge from a voltage regulated charging system which has adequate current capacity The charging equipment used in this test should be capable of a minimum current output in amps equivalent to 50% of the rated reserve capacity value in minutes 3.6.1 Using the same battery discharged through reserve capacity test (3.5) or specifically discharged to 10.5 V at the reserve capacity rate per 3.5, place the battery in a cold chamber until electrolyte temperature above the plates in an intermediate cell has stabilized at °C ± °C (32 °F ± °F) 3.6.2 With the battery in a cold chamber, at °C ± °C (32 °F ± °F) ambient, charge it at a constant potential equivalent to 14.40 V ± 0.07 V Measure the current input and record value after 10 of charging 3.6.3 Continue to charge for a total duration of 120 ± 0.05 Discontinue the charging, remove the battery from cold chamber and raise the battery temperature until the electrolyte temperature above the plates in an intermediate cell has stabilized at 27 °C ± °C (80 °F ± °F) 3.6.4 Discharge the battery at 25 A ± 0.1 A During discharge, using any convenient method, maintain electrolyte temperature within the range 24 °C (75 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) Results will not be considered valid if electrolyte temperature moves outside this range before the end of the discharge End the discharge when the voltage across the battery terminals has fallen to the equivalent of 10.50 V ± 0.05 V, noting the discharge duration in minutes and the electrolyte temperature at the cut-off point Correct the discharge duration for final temperature different from 27 °C (80 °F) using the formulae from 3.5 3.6.5 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR THESE TESTS 3.6.5.1 Charge Rate Acceptance—Current input after 10 ± 0.1 of charging (3.6.2) shall be at least 3% of the battery –18 °C cold cranking rating 3.6.5.2 Rechargeability—The percent ratio of the discharge time in minutes as obtained after 120 recharge (3.6.3) to the original reserve capacity value (3.5) shall be at least 50% 3.7 Cold Cranking Test—The following test is a measure of the cranking capability of a battery at the rating temperature.1 Fully charge the battery according to 3.2 Allow it to stand at room temperature for to 96 h Place the battery in an ambient held at the rating temperature (typically 16 h) until the electrolyte above the plates of an intermediate cell has stabilized at the rating temperature ±0.5 °C (±1 °F) In the case of a starved or gelled electrolyte battery, place the battery in ambient held at the rating temperature until the core temperature of an element in an intermediate cell has stabilized at the rating temperature The time required to achieve this can be determined in separate thermal response testing Rating temperature for purpose of this test is either –18 °C or –29 °C (0 °F or –20 °F) -5- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.7.1 With the battery in an ambient at the rating temperature,1 discharge the battery at the rating current The rating current shall be held constant ±1 A throughout the discharge Measure battery terminal voltage under load at the end of 30 s ± 0.2 s The acceptance criterion for this test is that the battery terminal voltage at 30 s shall be equivalent to 7.2 V or greater 3.7.2 CRANKING CHARACTERIZATION TEST 3.7.2.1 Fully charge each battery to be used for cranking characterization according to 3.2 Conduct a Reserve Capacity Test according to 3.5 Recharge per 3.2 Repeat the Reserve Capacity Test and recharge per 3.2 Allow each battery to stand at room temperature for to 96h Subsequent discharge tests are to be conducted without further capacity tests 3.7.2.2 Test sequence is to be randomized, with batteries tested beginning with one of each of the three cranking discharge rates, high, medium and low At least three batteries shall be used to generate each characteristic curve See the Table 2: TABLE 2—SEQUENCE OF CRANKING CHARACTERIZATION TESTS Battery Number Test Sequence Number Discharge - High Rate Test Sequence Number Discharge - Med Rate Test Sequence Number Discharge - Low Rate 1 3 3 7-9, 10-12, etc Repeat sequence above 3.7.2.3 Discharge the battery at three current rates and temperature(s) ±0.5 °C as agreed to by battery manufacturer and customer Typical nominal test temperatures include –18 °C, and –29 °C Measure terminal voltage as a function of time for each discharge current rate and record voltage at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 s or until the voltage declines to 7.2 V Record time to 7.2 V Plot voltage as a function of time as shown in (Figure 1) FIGURE 1—EXAMPLE - BATTERY VOLTAGE VERSUS DISCHARGE TIME PLOT -6- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.7.2.4 Plot mean voltage as a function of current (separate graph for each test temperature), for discharge times of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, seconds to produce a plot as shown in the following example At least three batteries are to be used to generate the curves (Figure 2) FIGURE 2—EXAMPLE - DISCHARGE CHARACTERIZATION AT TEMPERATURE T1 3.7.2.5 Plot mean voltage as a function of current (separate graph for each test time), for test temperatures of –18 °C and –29 °C, and any other appropriate temperature, to produce a plot as shown in the following example At least three batteries are to be used to generate the curves (Figure 3) FIGURE 3—EXAMPLE - DISCHARGE CHARACTERIZATION VERSUS TEMPERATURE AT t =15 s -7- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.8 Optional Durability Tests—The durability of an automotive storage battery is a function of the vehicle application and its use, of the environment in which it operates and of the design and the technology used to build it These factors interact in complex ways to influence the useful life of a battery This section defines tests to measure the durability of vehicle storage batteries The following life-limiting failure mode tests (life tests) may be conducted for scientific and durability evaluation of each battery design Appropriate alternate testing that meets or exceeds the basic technological and demonstrated requirements of the testing listed below may be substituted by agreement between battery manufacturer and customer 3.8.1 SAE J240—LIFE TEST FOR AUTOMOTIVE STORAGE BATTERIES—This test applies to 12 V automotive storage batteries of 180 or less reserve capacity This life test simulates automotive service when a battery operates in a voltage regulated charging system Its intent is to subject the battery to charge and discharge cycles comparable to those encountered in automotive service This test is conducted at 40 °C and can also be conducted at temperatures as high as 75 °C to accelerate the test and to produce elevated temperature failure modes 3.8.2 SAE J2185—LIFE TEST FOR HEAVY DUTY STORAGE BATTERIES.—This practice applies to 12 V storage batteries, which operate in a voltage regulating charging system It simulates heavy-duty applications by subjecting the battery to deeper discharge and charge cycles than those encountered in starting a vehicle 3.8.3 VIBRATION TEST—This test is to determine the ability of a battery to withstand vibration similar to that encountered in on-road applications of passenger car and light truck vehicles without suffering mechanical damage, loss of capacity, or loss of electrolyte 3.8.3.1 Equipment—LAB vibration machines ARV-30 X 40-400 or similar type (even number of counter rotating shafts, vertical vibration component only); or U.S Army Ordnance Vibration Machine as shown on Drawing No D7070340 3.8.3.2 Procedure 3.8.3.2.1 One or more fully charged batteries at 27 °C ± °C (80 °F ± °F) shall be placed on the vibration machines recommended for this test (see 3.8.3.1.) The batteries shall be symmetrically balanced on the LAB vibrator On the Ordnance vibrator, each battery shall be oriented symmetrically along the table centerline parallel to the shaft On the Ordnance vibrator, the battery plates shall be oriented parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft of the machine 3.8.3.2.2 The batteries shall be firmly held down by a top hold-down frame bearing on the top four edges of the battery or by an optional top bar or bottom hold-down The hold-down nuts should be torqued about 4.5 N·m (40 in-lb) for two bolt top hold-downs The hold-down torque shall be slightly less for top holddowns with more than two bolts Optional bottom hold-downs can normally be tightened up firmly without concern for excess torque In no instance shall warpage of the battery case exceed 1.3 mm (0.05 in) per side due to excess hold-down force 3.8.3.2.3 The electrolyte shall be at the level recommended by the manufacturer During vibration there shall be no electrolyte loss 3.8.3.2.4 The batteries shall be vibrated for h at a total acceleration of 3.5 G ± 0.2 G (32 Hz ± Hz) Each h of vibration shall represent one unit of vibration -8- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.8.3.2.5 The total G-level shall be calculated from the vertical and two horizontal components by Equation On the Ordnance table, the vertical component shall be determined near the high G-level end of the battery (upward rotation side of shaft) On the LAB table, the vertical component shall be taken as the average of both ends of the battery Vertical G-level measurements “near battery ends” will be made on the vibration table on an extension of the battery centerline as close as possible to the battery’s end wall for the particular measuring device used On both LAB and Ordnance tables, the x- and y-horizontal components shall be taken as the average of the four ends of the two opposing table edges Horizontal G-level measurements (8) shall be made 76 mm (3 in) from the corners on the vibration table’s sides G-level may be determined by the use of an accelerometer or independent excursion and frequency measurements as agreed upon between the supplier and customer 2 G – Force = 4.03 × frequency × sqrt [ ( Vertical excursion ) + ( Horizontal X-excursion ) + (Horizontal Y-excursion) ] Units: Frequency—Hertz, excursions—mm (Eq 7) All measurements shall be made with batteries in place on the vibration machine (See Figure A1, Appendix A) 3.8.3.2.6 After each unit of vibration, immediately discharge the battery at 27 °C ± °C (80 °F ± °F) at its specified –18 °C (0 °F) cold cranking rate The 30 s voltage must meet the 7.2 V minimum requirement If the 30 s voltage requirement is met, recharge according to methods given under Conditioning and repeat steps 3.8.3.2.4 and 3.8.3.2.5 until failure or a specified number of units has been successfully achieved 3.8.3.2.7 The battery will be rated at a number of units it can survive and meet the 30 s 7.2 V requirement As an option to this test procedure, two or more units of h may be run continuously without intervening performance tests If a failure is recognized, at the end of a multiple unit sequence, only the units completed prior to the failed multiple unit shall count as being successfully completed 3.9 Other Test Procedures—This section defines tests to measure rechargeability after discharged stand, battery water loss rate and the performance of the venting function 3.9.1 STAND/RECHARGEABILITY TEST—This test determines the battery capability to accept charge after standing for at least 30 days fully discharged at room ambient temperature 3.9.1.1 After the third reserve capacity test (3.5) has been completed, continue to discharge the battery at the rate specified in 3.5 until the terminal voltage is the equivalent of V or below 3.9.1.2 Immediately, short circuit the battery terminals with an 18-ohm resistor (+20%) 3.9.1.3 After 30 +2/–0 days at room temperature (27+3 °C), remove the resistor 3.9.1.4 Charge battery at a constant 15.8 V ± 0.03 V, for total charge duration of 120 ± 0.5 3.9.1.5 Discharge battery per 3.6.4 3.9.1.6 Acceptance Criteria for This Test 3.9.1.6.1 Charge Acceptance—Current input after 20 ± 0.5 of charging (3.9.1.4) shall be at least amperes -9- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 3.9.1.6.2 Rechargeability—the percent ratio of the discharge time in minutes as obtained after 120 recharge (3.9.1.5) to the original reserve capacity value (3.5) shall be at least 50% 3.9.2 GASSING RATE CHARACTERISTICS—This test provides a basis for comparing flooded battery designs with respect to their ability to withstand service water losses (BCI recommended storage battery specifications, starting, lighting, and ignition types - gassing rate characteristic See Appendix A.) The gassing rate as measured by this test, in combination with the volume of electrolyte above the plates may influence battery life in specific applications 3.9.3 SAE J1495—This standard details procedures for testing lead-acid SLI, Heavy-Duty, EV and RV batteries to determine battery venting system effectiveness in preventing the propagation into the battery interior of a flame front caused by an external ignition source Specifications 4.1 Type Designations and Markings—Type letters, numbers, or symbols, which shall enable the user to determine ratings from the manufacturer’s catalogs, shall be stamped or molded on the case or on a selfadhesive, electrolyte resistant label permanently attached to the top, end, or side of the battery 4.2 Terminal Polarity Identification—Polarity shall be plainly marked as follows: The positive terminal shall be identified by Positive, Pos, P or + on the terminal or on the cover near the terminal The negative terminal may be identified in like manner Batteries shall be labeled for safety warnings and recycling instructions according to BCI recommended practices Battery Container Design for Bottom Hold-Down 5.1 Batteries which have either ledges or recesses for the hold-down shall be designated as shown in hold-down Designs 2, 2A, 3, or (Figures A5, A6, A7, and A8 in Appendix A) 5.2 Batteries which have ledges or recesses in the sides for the hold-down shall be designated as shown in holddown Designs 2, 2A, or (Figures A5, A6, and A8 in Appendix A) 5.3 Batteries which have ledges on the ends for the hold-down shall be of the design shown in hold-down Design (Figure A7, Appendix A) Note for sections 5.1-5.3: Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions are ±0.3 mm (±0.01in), all angles ±1 degree, all radii ±0.8 mm (±0.03in) Notes 6.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report An (R) symbol to the left of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report PREPARED BY THE SAE STORAGE BATTERY STANDARDS COMMITTEE -10- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 APPENDIX A A.1 Gassing Rate Characteristic—Reprinted with permission of Battery Council International Charging at a constant voltage, a fully charged battery will accept a current which is characteristic of its design and construction Unused current is dissipated in electrolyzing water from the electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen gases, which escape A measurement of gas evolution rate or the current accepted at a charging voltage typical of a vehicle electrical system when related to the reservoir of electrolyte above the plates provides a basis for comparing battery designs in respect to their ability to withstand service water losses Both measures are useful, but there is no generally applicable factor correlating them Both gas emission rates and currents are small values which demand accurate measurement and avoidance of leakage losses A.1.1 Procedure for Steady-State Charging Current Measurement Complete Cranking Performance and Reserve Capacity tests, then fully charge the battery as described in “Pretest Conditioning and Charging Procedure.” Place the battery in an oven or water circulating bath held at a temperature of 51.7 °C ± 1.1 °C (125 °F ± °F) Apply a 14.1 V ± 0.1 V charging voltage to a 12 V battery (7.05 V ± 0.05 V for V batteries) for 16 to 18 h After this period of conditioning, commence regulation of temperature to 51.7 °C ± 0.6 °C (125 °F ± °F) and of charging voltage measured across battery terminals to 14.1 V ± 0.01 V (7.05 V ± 0.005 V for a V battery) Continue charging under these conditions for h and then monitor charging current at 15 intervals When charging current has stabilized so that variations over three successive readings are 2% or less than the average of the three successive readings, record that average as the Steady-State Charging Current in amperes A.1.2 Procedure for Gassing Rate Measurement Complete Cranking Performance and Reserve Capacity tests, then fully charge the battery as described in “Pretest Conditioning and Charging Procedure.” Verify the absence of intercell and perimeter cover-case leaks by applying an air pressure of lb/in2 to each cell individually This pressure must be maintained for 15 s after disconnecting the source of pressurization Place the battery in an oven or water circulating bath held at a temperature of 51.7 °C ± 1.1 °C (125 °F ± °F) and prepare it for gas collection and measurement through water displacement out of inverted burettes Gas must be collected separately from at least three cells Collector burette volumes (in milliliters) must equal at least 300 times the Steady-State Charging Current but need not be more than 100 mL Connecting tubes should be glass or metal as far as practical to reduce hydrogen escape by permeation Cells set up for gas collection must have normal vents sealed off Cells not set up for gas collection require provision for venting Follow steps 3, 4, 5, and to bring the battery into Steady-State Charging Current Condition with the evolved gases bubbling through the water used for displacement Start collection of gases and continue until volume collected in any one burette reaches 100 mL, but not longer than 30 -11- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 Record individual volumes of gases collected, the times of collection, the room temperature, and the barometric pressure Using data appropriate only to the cell showing the greatest gas volume, calculate the volume of gas corrected to STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure) and divide by time of collection to determine the characteristic Gassing Rate as milliliters per minute -12- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 FIGURE A1—EXCURSION MEASUREMENTS FOR G-LEVEL CALCULATIONS -13- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 FIGURE A2—TERMINAL POST DIMENSIONS FIGURE A3—STUD TERMINAL DIMENSIONS -14- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 FIGURE A4A—SIDE TERMINAL THREAD DESCRIPTION FIGURE A4B—SIDE TERMINAL DIMENSIONS -15- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 FIGURE A5—HOLD-DOWN DESIGN 2—DESIGN FOR BATTERIES WITH RECESSES IN SIDES FOR HOLD-DOWN FIGURE A6—HOLD-DOWN DESIGN 2A—DESIGN FOR BATTERIES WITH RECESSES IN SIDES FOR HOLD-DOWN -16- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 FIGURE A7—HOLD-DOWN DESIGN 3—DESIGN FOR BATTERIES WITH LEDGES ON ENDS FOR HOLD-DOWN NOTE— Dimensions are mm (in) FIGURE A8—HOLD-DOWN DESIGN 4—DESIGN FOR BATTERIES WITH LEDGES ON SIDES FOR HOLD-DOWN -17- SAE J537 Revised SEP2000 Rationale—Not applicable Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable Application—This document applies to lead-acid types of storage batteries used in motor vehicles, motorboats, tractors, and starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications which use regulated charging systems Reference SectionReference Section SAE J240—Life Test for Automotive Storage Batteries SAE J1495—Test Procedure for Battery Flame Retardant Venting Systems SAE J2185—Life Test for Heavy-Duty Storage Batteries Developed by the Developed by the SAE Storage Battery Standards Committee ... lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications which use regulated charging systems Reference SectionReference Section SAE J240—Life Test for Automotive Storage Batteries SAE J1495—Test Procedure for... build it These factors interact in complex ways to influence the useful life of a battery This section defines tests to measure the durability of vehicle storage batteries The following life-limiting... failed multiple unit shall count as being successfully completed 3.9 Other Test Procedures—This section defines tests to measure rechargeability after discharged stand, battery water loss rate