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Old 03-16-2014, 06:44 PM   #21
twindman
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I think I was wrong on the length of cord. It is either 75 or 50 ft. But still too long, I think. I (incorrectly) was thinking by using the 30A cord, it would reduce the drop. True, if I didn't use 15A cord too, I believe.
As to the battery, is the hydrometer test the old floating balls in a tube? I used to have those 30 years ago..... Just curious.
 
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Old 03-16-2014, 07:01 PM   #22
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The hydrometer that you refer to (the balls in the tube) is still around, but not very accurate. The one to get has a glass float inside the glass tube, that has specific gravity markings on it, such as 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, etc. The higher the number, the more charge you have. They are also segregated into colored sections, red being discharged, white being semi-charged, and green being fully (or mostly fully) charged. They are readily available at most any auto parts store, such as NAPA. If you want to spend the money, you can get a hand held load tester device (usually around $40 or so) that will actually load test your battery and give you a pretty good indication of it's condition. Or, take it to a battery shop, and they'll usually do it for free. As always, be very cautious when using one, if you "splash" on yourself, it can really burn you, and/or eat up your clothes.
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Old 03-16-2014, 07:30 PM   #23
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A bad battery can also explode on rare occasions so make sure you have plenty of ventilation around when messing with it. Had one blow up when assisting a motorist years ago and the back of my Police jacket looked like I'd been hit by a shotgun. Luckily I had my back turned at the time and long hair and a hat on.
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:52 AM   #24
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

A bad battery can also explode on rare occasions so make sure you have plenty of ventilation around when messing with it. Had one blow up when assisting a motorist years ago and the back of my Police jacket looked like I'd been hit by a shotgun. Luckily I had my back turned at the time and long hair and a hat on.

Hi

Very good point.

This is caused when the battery gasses from charging, over charging or rapid discharge like a short in the large cables from the battery.

It is always good to wear safety glasses when handling, removing or installing a battery of any kind.

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Old 03-17-2014, 07:33 AM   #25
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DQDick, I didn't understand how you were saved???
What is long hair???
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Old 03-17-2014, 12:09 PM   #26
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And the thing that I didn't read in any of the replies...never use anything BUT distilled water for the batteries. We can't assume that the poster would know this. Minerals in regular water equals bad juju for battery life. And yes, 5 years for most batteries is about the end of the ballgame. John
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:04 PM   #27
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I agree. Don't expect too much with 14 gauge wire at that distance. The test would be with a 50 AMP RV cord hooked directly to a 50 AMP circuit.


Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

Yep, not good for anything with the voltage that low. Under normal voltage the water heater should be drawing 12 to 14 amps.
Too much cord plus small guage equals low voltage/current.
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:06 PM   #28
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100% agree with the eye protection warning!!


Quote:
quote:Originally posted by paulinbaja

The batteries are another story. At five years they are very near the end of their life. Have someone check the specific gravity of each cell with the batteries as fully charged as you can get them. If the number is to high, they are gone. A battery supplier will usually help with this issue. You most likely have a friend with a hydrometer and the knowledge to do the test. Always wear eye PROTECTION when working around batteries!
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:10 PM   #29
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You had long hair????


Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

A bad battery can also explode on rare occasions so make sure you have plenty of ventilation around when messing with it. Had one blow up when assisting a motorist years ago and the back of my Police jacket looked like I'd been hit by a shotgun. Luckily I had my back turned at the time and long hair and a hat on.
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:11 PM   #30
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Good call!


Quote:
quote:Originally posted by jcurtis934

And the thing that I didn't read in any of the replies...never use anything BUT distilled water for the batteries.
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Old 03-17-2014, 03:14 PM   #31
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I'm surprised someone didn't mention I'm lucky I still have any hair at all.
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