Batteries are installed into DC power systems to maintain a voltage to a telephone system under a mains fail condition. These batteries will support the system for between 1 and 24 hours depending on the battery capacity.

Battery capacity calculations:
A. Load of 10 amps DC into a 30 amp per hour capacity will give approximately three hours standby time.
B. Load of 10 amps into a 100 amp per hour capacity will give approximately ten hours standby time.

Batteries require regular maintenance during their serviceable life to ensure a reliable maximum standby condition, to ensure that the batteries are operating within the essential H & S environmental conditions and to avoid the potential financial consequences of failure.

Hazards:
Contact with eyes – causing irritation or damage
Contact with skin – may cause dermatitis or burns
Inhalation – may cause irritation or lung damage
Ingestion – can cause damage to kidneys

Unmaintained batteries:
Create risk of fire and explosion: hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced in the cells during normal battery operation (hydrogen is flammable and oxygen supports combustion).

Find a fault before a fault finds you:
The financial implications of telecoms power failure are well documented: lost revenue, clean-up costs, litigation and interruption to customer service - for any business, health authority, utility supplier, transport, educational or any other organisation that relies on a telephone service to conduct day to day business.

So what does Battery Maintenance involve?

And Why do sealed ("NO MAINTENANCE") batteries need maintenance?