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For all battery-operated supplies correct charging of the battery is
crucial. Nickel –cadmium batteries require constant-current charging
with a fall to the trickle rate when fully charged and sophisticated
circuitry is needed to identify the precise point of full charge (see
Section 21.3.2).
Lead acid batteries produce hydrogen if over-charged so their stor-
age must be designed so that no danger, either to personnel or of
explosion, exists. For reliability, natural ventilation is preferred to
forced. Recommendations for the accommodation of lead acid bat-
teries other than sealed are given in BS 6133: 1985. Batteries which
gas also need more frequent maintenance. Because of the reduction in
performance of batteries at low temperatures the ambient ...