Today, there are many devices that use power sources such as batteries. Over time, the charge runs out, and accordingly at some point the device stops working.
Therefore, it will be useful to learn how to determine the degree of charge of the batteries. It can also be useful for checking the operability of a new battery, or one that has been lying idle for a long time.
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How to check the battery charge with a multimeter
A multimeter (Tester) is a device that allows you to check the voltage in the network, the place of rupture of the electric cable, determine the value of the resistance in the network, as well as the performance of existing electrical devices. But besides this, with its help you can check the capacity and charge of the power source.
Initially, you need to turn on the device itself and set the indicators to the appropriate parameter - "DC Amperes". After that, you need to configure the relevant indicators for the ports:
- the port value for the probe number 1 must be COM;
- for probe number 2, set to 10 ADC;
- the existing handle must certainly be in the DAC or DCA position;
- the marginal result for verification by indicators should be at least 6A, but not higher than 10A.
But here it is worth considering that the setting for measuring the current strength should be on the Ampere indicator, not Volta. Next, you will need to connect the probes of the tester used with the contacts, namely:
- “+” terminal (with red wire) is connected respectively to “+” on the galvanic cell;
- The “-” terminal (with black wiring) must be connected to the “-” on the galvanic cell.
As a precaution, it should be said that you should adhere to the recommendation regarding the time of the audit. The maximum time for verification should be no more than 2 seconds. This is because exceeding the specified time can ruin the battery, regardless of whether it was new or used.
How to check battery capacity
The process of checking the capacitance is similar to determining the residual charge of this power source, but the indicator in Amperes should be at around 10 A. Next, you need to connect the red probe of the multimeter to the plus pole of the battery, and black, respectively, to the minus.
The procedure should take no more than 10 seconds, otherwise the designated power source may be completely discharged. Since such a process is a short circuit, and this is fraught with negative consequences for the power source.
If the indicators on the measuring device show 0.2 amperes, then the battery is not suitable for further use. When the value in amperes shows more than 1.1 (1.74 A), then such a battery can still be used, but in devices where a large charge consumption is not required. For example, for a remote control from a TV, watch or a small radio.
How to find out the battery voltage
You can also use a tester to check the battery voltage. He can show what kind of charge there is in the presented power source and find out whether it can be used in devices in the future.
To do this, connect the contacts of the battery with the probe of the multimeter itself, and you also need to make a connection with the load. This process should last approximately 40 seconds.
After this time, the result will be visible, namely, if it shows 1.1 Volts on the measuring device, then the battery is no longer suitable, therefore it must be disposed of.
How to check the battery without appliances
It is worth noting that you can check the battery’s performance without any devices. Initially, I want to say that this method will not show how much charge is left, but it will tell you whether it is operational or not.
To do this, you need to take the battery, raise it to a height of 5-10 centimeters and release it from your hands on a flat surface, for example, on a table or stool. If it bounced, then it has a very low charge and is not at all suitable for use.
When it is operational, the sound from a fall will be more deaf, and besides, it will become a vertical position, unlike a discharged power source, which will fall to a horizontal position after a fall.
The indicated criteria are justified by the fact that there is an electrolyte inside the battery, it has a gel-like state, it hardens after a complete discharge, so it bounces off the surface when dropped.
How to check the battery with a charge indicator
Regarding the concept of batteries with a charge indicator, they are mainly found in expensive Duracell. The presence of such an indicator provides an opportunity to verify its suitability is very simple. On the battery there is a special strip with divisions having different colors.
These cells (divisions) are filled with thermal paint, which changes color depending on the heating temperature. For example, the red cell is the most sensitive, but the green division is not very, and therefore requires a higher temperature.
As a result, when heating occurs, different sections on this indicator are illuminated depending on the temperature reached. That is, such indicators show the presence of a charge in the battery. To check the charge, all that is required is to click on the white circles of the Powercheck indicator.
Checking the charge, battery voltage has a reason, namely. Studies performed show that mostly used batteries sent to scrap are charged up to 40%. But since the device or tool does not work, then out of ignorance people throw out such batteries.
But they can still be used in devices with a less demanding charge indicator. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the batteries before discarding them. Using such a battery in less energy consumption can save money.
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