PLATE-INSTRUCTION 1402454 - Caterpillar

Battery Discharge
There are two reasons for battery discharge: current draw and self-discharge.Current Draw
The electrical system has a current draw of approximately 120 milliamperes when the machine is not being used. If the master disconnect switch is closed, the battery can discharge over a period of 7 to 14 days to a level that may prevent the machine from starting. Open the master disconnect switch when the machine is not being used for extended periods in order to help reduce battery discharge.Self-discharge
The inside temperature of an enclosed battery compartment can easily reach 11.1 °C (20 °F) above ambient air temperature. When the master disconnect switch is open, the rate of self-discharge of the battery will depend on the air temperature within the battery compartment. Table 1 shows the estimated rate of self-discharge of a battery at various temperatures.
Table 1
SOC (1)     Ambient Temperature    
   
54.4° C (130° F)    
43.3° C (110° F)    
32.2° C (90° F)    
21.1° C (70° F)    
75%     25     31     50     166    
50%     50     63     100     333    
25%     75     94     150     500    
0%     100     141     225     750    
( 1 ) State Of Charge The values are in days. Refer to Table 1 for the following examples::
The battery may take 166 days to discharge to 75% at 21.1 °C (70 °F).
The battery may take only 31 days to discharge to 75% at 43.3 °C (110 °F).Park the machine in an area that will avoid direct sunlight on the battery compartment in order to help to reduce the rate of self-discharge of the battery.Recharging the Battery
Proper battery voltage will ensure that the machine engine starts.
A battery with a 100% SOC measures 12.6 Volts.
A battery with a 50% SOC measures 12.2 Volts.Periodically recharge the battery even if the disconnect switch is in the open position. This is especially necessary in warm climates in order to maintain proper battery voltage. Refer to the media number that is listed at the top of this document for instruction on procedures to test the battery and charge the battery.