-

9009278 0005875 630

ANSI/IEEE Std 1106-1987

IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance,

Testing, and Replacement of Nickel-Cadmium
Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and
Substations

Published by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc 345 East 47th Street, New York, N Y 10017, USA
AprU 4.1988

COPYRIGHT Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc

Licensed by Information Handling Services

sH11882

W 9009278 000587b 5 7 7

ANSI/IEEE
Std 1106-1987

An American National Standard

IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance,
Testing, and Replacement of Nickel-Cadmium
Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and
Substations

Sponsor

Power Generation Committee

of the
IEEE Power Engineering Society

Approved September 10, 1987

IEEE Standards Board

Approved February 24,1988

American National Standards Institute

0 Copyright 1988 by

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc

345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
No part of this publication. m a y be reproduced in a n y forml
in a n electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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9009278 0005877 Y03

IEEE Standards documents are developed within the Technical Committees of the IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating Committees
of the IEEE Standards Board. Members of the committees serve voluntarily and without compensation. They are not necessarily members of the
Institute. The standards developed within IEEE represent a consensus of
the broad expertise on the subject within the Institute as well as those
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Use of an IEEE Standard is wholly voluntary. The existence of an IEEE
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about through developments in the state of the art and comments received
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a t least once every five years for revision or reaffirmation. When a document is more than five years old, and has not been reaffirmed, it is
reasonable to conclude that its contents, although still of some value, do
not wholly reflect the present state of the art. Users are cautioned to
check to determine that they have the latest edition of any IEEE Standard.
Comments for revision of IEEE Standards are welcome from any interested party, regardless of membership affiliation with IEEE. Suggestions for changes in documents should be in the form of a proposed change
of text, together with appropriate supporting comments.
Interpretations: Occasionally questions may arise regarding the meaning of portions of standards as they relate to specific applications. When
the need for interpretations is brought to the attention of IEEE, the
Institute will initiate action to prepare appropriate responses. Since IEEE
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requests except in those cases where the matter has previously received
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Comments on standards and requests for interpretations should be addressed to:
Secretary, IEEE Standards Board
345 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017
USA

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9009278 0005878 3LtT

Foreword
(This Foreword is not a part of ANSI/IEEE Std 1106-1987, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and
Replacement of Nickel-Cadmium Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and Substations.)

Stationary storage batteries play an ever-increasing role in substation and generating station
control and power systems and in providing back-up energy for emergencies. This recommended
practice fulfills the need within the industry to provide common or standard practices of maintenance,
testing, and replacement of nickel-cadmium storage batteries. The methods described are applicable
to all installations and battery sizes.
The installations considered herein are designed for continuous-float operation with a battery
charger serving to maintain the battery in a charged condition and to supply the normal dc load
(see Appendix A4).
The IEEE will maintain this recommended practice current with the state of technology. Comments
on this recommended practice and suggestions for additional material that should be included are
invited. They should be addressed as follows:
Secretary
IEEE Standards Board
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
345 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017
This recommended practice was prepared by the Working Group on Batteries (Nickel-Cadmium)
of the Station Design Subcommittee of the Power Generation Committee of the IEEE Power Engineering Society. At the time this recommended practice was approved the members of the Working
Group were:

J. H.Bellack, Chairman
D. Basdekas
W. B. Bates
L. F. Bednar
R. Bolgeo
J. L. Chamberlin
P.J. DeMar
D. O. Feder

J. W. Gourdier
R. F. Kelleher
D. S. Levin
G. McKenna
S. M. Meissel
B. M. Radimer
H. K. Reid
T. Ruhlmann

R. Stutzbach
B. G. Treece
T. Ulrich
P.J. Vivona
G. Walker
H. B. West
J. A. Wiese

The liaison representatives were C. J. Blattner, Substations Committee, and A. R. Roby, Nuclear
Power Engineering Committee.
The following persons were on the balloting committee that approved this document for submission
to the IEEE Standards Board:
W. W. Avril
M. S. Baldwin
J. H. Bellack
I. B. Berezowsky
G. G. Boyle
F. L. Brennan
J. B. Cannon
R. W. Cantrell
R. L. Castleberry
E. F. Chelotti
R. E. Cotta
M. L. Crenshaw
D. J . Damsker
P. M. Davidson
D. Diamant
P. Dolan

G. R. Engmann
W. M. Fenner
A. H. Ferber
N. R. Friedman
D. I. Gordon
R. K. Gupta
M. E. Jackowski
W. D. Jackson
J. H. Jones
C. E. Kneeburg
P. R. H. Landrieu
J . E. Leclair
P. A. Lewis
G. L. Luri
J. T. Madill
O. S. Mazzoni

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D. R. McCabe
G. R. Meloy
M. W. Migliaro
J . T.Nikolas
R. E. Penn
C. R. Pope
R. Ramakumar
R. J. Reiman
D. E. Roberts
E. P.Rothong
A. J. Spurgin
G. I. Stillman
J. E. Stoner, Jr
J. B. Sullivan
R. J. Wehling
R. Zweigler

9009278 0005879 286

When the IEEE Standards Board approved this standard on September 10,1987, it had the following
membership:

Donald C. Fleckenstein, Chairman

Marco W.Migliaro, Vice-chairman
Andrew G. Salem, Secretary
James H. Beall
Dennis Bodson
Marshall L. Cain
James M. Daly
Stephen R. Dillon
Eugene P.Fogarty
Jay Forster
Kenneth D. Hendrix
Irvin N. Howell

Leslie R. Kerr
Jack Kinn
Irving Kolodny
Joseph L. Koepfinger*
Edward Lohse
John May
Lawrence V. McCall
L. Bruce McClung
Donald T. Michael*

* Member emeritus

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L.John Rankine
John P. Riganati
Gary S. Robinson
Frank L. Rose
Robert E. Rountree
Sava I. Sherr'
William R. Tackaberry
William B. Wilkens
Helen M. Wood

9009278 0005880 T T 8
I

Contents
SECTION

PAGE

1.

Scope ..................................................................................................

2.

Definitions ............................................................................................

3.

References ............................................................................................

4.

Maintenance ..........................................................................................
4.1 General ........................................................................................
4.2 Safety ..........................................................................................
4.2.1. Methods ................................................................................
4.2.2 Protective Equipment ................................................................
4.2.3 Precautions ............................................................................
4.3 Inspections ....................................................................................
4.3.1 General.................................................................................
4.3.2 Quarterly ..............................................................................
4.3.3 Yearly ..................................................................................
4.3.4 Special Inspections.....................................................................
4.4 Corrective Actions ............................................................................
4.4.1 Conditions Requiring Correction ....................................................
4.4.2 Other Abnormalities .................................................................

8
8
8
8
8 '
8
8
8

Capacity Test Schedule .............................................................................

5.1 Acceptance ....................................................................................
5.2 Performance ..................................................................................
5.3 Service .........................................................................................

9
9
9
10

6.

Procedure for Battery Capacity Tests .............................................................

6.1 Initial Conditions .............................................................................
6.2 Test Length ...................................................................................
6.3 Test Discharge Rate ..........................................................................
6.4 Acceptance and Performance Tests ........................................................
6.5 Determining Battery Capacity ..............................................................
6.6 Service Test ...................................................................................
6.7 Restoration ....................................................................................

10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11

7.

Replacement Criteria ................................................................................

11

8.

Records ................................................................................................

11

5.

9
9
9
9
9
9

TABLE

Table 1 Discharge Current Correction Factor K for Temperature ................................

11

APPENDIXES

Appendix A Nickel-Cadmium Battery .................................................................

A l . Construction ..................................................................................
A2. Electrolyte .....................................................................................
A3. Cell / Battery Voltage ........................................................................
A4. Capacity and Charging Voltage ............................................................
A5. Temperature ..................................................................................
Appendix B State of Charge Determination and Charging .........................................
Appendix C Corrective Actions .........................................................................
C1. Low-Voltage Cell .............................................................................
C2. Water Consumption ..........................................................................
C3. Low-Voltage Battery .........................................................................
Appendix D Intercell and Terminal Resistances .....................................................
Appendix E Alternative Practices for Non-Class 1E Nuclear Applications .......................

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12
12
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
13
14
14

9009278 0005881 934-

An American National Standard

IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance,

Testing, and Replacement of Nickel-Cadmium
Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and
Substations
1. Scope

quirements to allow for unforeseen additions to

the dc system and less than optimum operating
conditions due to improper maintenance, recent
discharge, or ambient conditions lower than anticipated.

This recommended practice provides maintenance, test schedules, and testing procedures
that can be used to optimize the life and performance of nickel-cadmium batteries designed
for continuous-float applications. It also provides
guidance for determining when these batteries
should be replaced.
Sizing, installation, qualification, other battery types, and application are beyond the scope
of this recommended practice.
This recommended practice does not include
any other component of the dc system, nor does
it include surveillance and testing of the dc system, even though the battery is part of that
system. Preoperational and periodic dc system
tests of chargers and other dc components may
require that the battery be connected to the system. Details for these tests will depend on the
requirements of the dc system and are beyond
the scope of this recommended practice.

high-rate charge. A constant potential charge

application to a partially or fully discharged battery to recharge it.
margin. The combination of design margin and
aging factor originally used in determining the
batterys initial capacity requirements.
normal float. A constant-potential charge application to a battery to maintain it in a charged
condition.
performance test. A constant-current capacity
test, usually performed on a battery in the as
found condition after it has been in service, to
detect any change in the capacity determined
by the acceptance test.
service life capacity. Minimum battery capacity needed to meet design requirements, including temperature correction but excluding
margin.

2. Definitions
The following definitions apply specifically to
the subject matter of this recommended practice.
For other definitions, see Section 3, References.

service test. A special test of a batterys capability, as found, to satisfy design requirements
(battery duty cycle) of the dc system.

acceptance test. A constant-current capacity

test made on a new battery to determine that it
meets specifications or manufacturers rating.

terminal connection detail. Connections made

between cells, rows of cells, and at positive and
negative terminals of the battery, which may
include nickel- or cadmium-plated terminal
plates, cables with nickel- or cadmium-plated
lugs, and nickel- or cadmium-plated solid copper
or steel connectors.

capacity test. A discharge of a battery to designated terminal voltage.

design margin. Additional capacity above re7

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ANSI/IEEE
Std 1106-1987

IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND REPLACEMENT OF

3. References

( 1) Goggles and face shields

(2) Chemical-resistant gloves

(3) Protective aprons and overshoes
(4) Portable or stationary water facilities for
rinsing eyes and skin in case of alkaline electrolyte spillage
( 5 ) Boric acid solution (seven ounces per gallon of water, or fifty grams per liter) or other
suitable neutralizing agent recommended by the
manufacturer for alkaline electrolyte spillage
4.2.3 Precautions. The following protective
procedures should be observed during maintenance:
(1) Prohibit the use of acid-contaminated
tools and equipment such as hydrometers and
thermometers in or on these batteries.
(2) Use tools with insulated handles.
(3) Prohibit smoking and open flames, and
avoid arcing in the immediate vicinity of the
battery.
(4) Ensure that the load test leads are connected with a length of cable sufficient to prevent accidental arcing in the vicinity of the
battery.
( 5 ) All connections to load test equipment
should include short-circuit protection.
(6) Ensure that battery area ventilation is operable.
(7) Ensure unobstructed egress from the battery area.
(8) Avoid wearing metallic objects, such as
jewelry.
(9) Neutralize static build-up just before
working on battery by having personnel contact
nearest effectively grounded surface.

This recommended practice shall be used in

conjunction with the following publications:
[ 11 ANSI / IEEE Std 100-1984, IEEE Standard

Dictionary of Electrical and Electronic Terms.'

[2] ANSI/IEEE Std 308-1980, IEEE Standard
Criteria for Class 1E Power Systems for Nuclear
Power Generating
- Stations.
[31
Std 323-1983' IEEE
for Qualifying Class 1E Equipment for Nuclear
Power Generating Stations.
[4] IEEE Std 494-1974 (R1983), IEEE Standard
Method for Identification of Documents Related
to Class 1E Equipment and Systems for Nuclear
Power Generating Stations.2
[5] IEEE Std 946-1985, IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Design of Safety-Related DC
Auxiliary Power Systems for Nuclear Power
Generating Stations.

4. Maintenance
4.1 General. Proper maintenance will prolong
the life of a battery and will aid in assuring that
it is capable of satisfying its design requirements. A good battery maintenance program
will serve as a valuable aid in determining the
need for battery replacement. Station battery
maintenance should be performed by personnel
knowledgeable about nickel-cadmium batteries
and the safety precautions involved.
4.2 Safety. The safety precautions listed herein
shall be followed in station battery maintenance.
Work performed on batteries shall be done only
with proper and safe tools and with protective
equipment.
4.2.1 Methods. Work performed on a battery
in service shall use methods to preclude circuit
interruption or arcing in the vicinity of the battery.
4.2.2 Protective Equipment. The following
protective equipment shall be available to personnel who perform battery maintenance work:

4.3 Inspection. All inspections should be made

under normal conditions. Refer to the Appendixes for more information.

4.3.1 General. Inspection of the battery
should be performed on a regularly scheduled
basis (at least once per month). The interval
should be selected depending upon site conditions, charging equipment, and monitoring devices providing remote indications of abnormal
operations. Include a .check and record of the
following:
(1) Fldat voltage measured at the battery terminals
(2) General appearance and cleanliness of the
battery, the battery rack, and the battery rack
area
(3) Charger output current and voltage

'ANSI/ IEEE publications can be obtained from the Sales

Department, American National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
21EEE publications can be obtained from the IEEE Service
Center, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
445 Hoes Lane, PO Box 1331, Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331.

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NICKELCADMIUM STORAGE BATERIES FOR GENERATING STATIONS AND SUBSTATIONS

(4) Electrolyte levels

(5) Cracks in cells or leakage of electrolyte
(6) Any evidence of corrosion at terminals,
connectors, or rack
(7) Operability of ventilation equipment
(8) Pilot cell electrolyte temperature
4.3.2 Quarterly. At least once per quarter a
general inspection should be augmented with a
check and record of the voltage of each cell.
4.3.3 Yearly. At least once each year a quarterly inspection should be augmented as follows.
Check and record:
(1) Cell to cell, and terminal detail resistance
(see Appendix D)
(2) Integrity of the battery rack
4.3.4 Special Inspections. If the battery has
experienced an abnormal condition (such as a
severe discharge or severe over-charge), an inspection should be made to assure that the
battery has not been damaged. Include the requirements of 4.3.1 and 4.3.2.

ANSUIEEE
Std 1106-1987

NOTE: See Appendixes for a more detailed discussion of

these abnormalities and the urgency of corrective actions.

4.4.2 Other Abnormalities. Correct any

other abnormal conditions noted.

5. Capacity Test Schedule

The following schedule of capacity tests is used
to (1) determine whether the battery meets its
specification or the manufacturers rating, or
both; (2) periodically determine whether the
performance of the battery, as found, is within
acceptable limits; and ( 3 ) determine, if required,
whether the battery, as found, meets the design
requirements of the system to which it is connected. Refer to Appendix A4.

4.4 Corrective Actions

4.4.1. The following items indicate conditions

5.1 Acceptance. An acceptance test of the battery capacity (see 6.4) should be made, as determined by the user, either at the factory or
upon initial installation. The test should be
made at a specific discharge rate and for a duration relating to the manufacturers rating or
to the purchase specifications requirements.

that should be corrected prior to the next general inspection.

( 1 ) When any cell electrolyte reaches the lowlevel line, water should be added to bring all
cells to the high-level line. Water quality should
be in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
( 2 ) When the float voltage, measured at the
battery terminals, is outside of its recommended
operating range, the charger voltage should be
adjusted.
(3) When corrosion, excessive dirt, or potassium carbonate (gray 1white deposits) are noted
on cells or connectors, wipe with a wet cloth,
then wipe dry and coat metal parts with corrosion inhibitor as recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid the use of hydrocarbon type
cleaning agents (or distillates), which may cause
containers and covers to crack or craze.
(4) If any resistance reading obtained in 4.3.3
(1)is more than twenty percent above the installation value, or is above a ceiling value established by the manufacturer, or if loose
connections are noted, retorque and retest. If the
retested resistance value remains unacceptable,
the connection should be disassembled, cleaned,
reassembled, and retested. The reassembly
should be made using corrosion inhibitor, following the instructions of the manufacturer.

5.2 Performance
( 1 ) A performance test of battery capacity
(see 6.4) should be made within the first two
years of service. Initial conditions shall be as
described in 6.1, omitting requirements ( 1 ) and
(2). Results of this test reflect all factors, including maintenance, that determine battery capability. It is desirable for comparison purposes
that the performance tests be similar in rate
and duration to the battery acceptance test (see
5.1). If on a performance test the battery does
not deliver its expected capacity, the test should
be repeated after the requirements of 6.1 ( 1 ) and
(2)have been completed.
(2) Additional performance tests could be
given to each battery at 5-year intervals until it
shows signs of excessive capacity loss. Excessive
capacity loss is indicated when the battery capacity drops more than 1.5%per year of rated
capacity from its capacity on the previous performance test.
( 3 ) Annual performance tests of battery capacity should be given to any battery that shows
signs of excessive capacity loss.
( 4 ) When a service test is also being used on
a regular basis (see below 1, it will reflect maintenance practices, so the performance test can
be modified to include the requirements of 6.1
9

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ANSI/IEEE
Std 1106-1987

IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND REPLACEMENT OF

6.3 Test Discharge Rate. The discharge rate

depends upon the type of test selected. For the
acceptance test or performance test, the discharge rate should be at a constant current
equal to the manufacturer's rating of the battery
for the selected test. Note that the test discharge
current is equal to the rated discharge current
divided by K, where K is the discharge current
correction factor for the initial electrolyte temperature. See Table 1. Also refer to Appendix
A4.

(1)and (2).However, when the performance test

is used in lieu of a service test, eliminate ( 1) and
(2) of 6.1 so as to reflect maintenance factors.
5.3 Service Test. A service test of battery capability (see 6.6) may be required by the user
to meet a specific application requirement upon
completion of the installation. This is a test of
the battery's ability, as found, to satisfy the design requirements (battery duty cycle) of the dc
system. If the system design changes, sizing will
have to be reviewed, and the service test may
have to be repeated.

CAUTION: Above 75 "F there is no meaningful increase in

capacity. These K factor ranges are typical for various plate
designs and discharge rates. They are not to be used for a
specific application. Consult manufacturer for the correct
data.

6. Procedure for Battery Capacity

6.4 Acceptance and Performance Tests. Set

up a variable load with associated instrumentation consisting of an ammeter, a voltmeter,
and a timing device. Vary the load to maintain
a constant current discharge equal to the rating
of the battery at the selected rate (see 6.3).
(1) Connect the load to the battery, start the
timing, and continue to maintain the selected
discharge rate.
(2) Maintain the discharge rate until the battery terminal voltage decreases to a value equal
to the specified average voltage per cell times
the number of cells.
(3) Read and record individual cell voltages
and the battery terminal voltage. The readings
should be taken while the load is applied at the
beginning and the completion of the test, and at
specified intervals. There should be a minimum
of three sets of readings.

Tests
This procedure describes the recommended
practice of capacity testing by discharging the
battery. All testing should follow the safety requirements listed in 4.2. Refer to Appendix A4.
6.1 Initial Conditions. The following list gives

the initial requirements for all battery capacity

tests. When the results of performance tests (see
5.2) and service tests (see 5.3) should reflect
maintenance practices, omit requirements ( 1)
and (2) below.
(1) Verify that the battery has had a highrate charge completed more than one day and
less than seven days prior to the start of the test.
(2) Check all battery connections and make
sure that all connectors are clean, tight, and free
of corrosion. Refer to Appendix D.
( 3 ) Read and record the float voltage of each
cell just prior to the test.
( 4 ) Read and record the temperature of the
battery electrolyte to determine an average temperature (every tenth cell is suggested).
( 5 ) Read and record the battery terminal float
voltage.
(6) Disconnect the charger from the battery.
(7) Take adequate precautions (such as isolating the battery to be tested from other batteries and critical loads) to ensure that a failure
will not jeopardize other systems or equipment.

NOTE Individual cell voltage readings should be taken between respective posts of like polarity of adjacent cells, so
as to include the voltage drop of the intercell connections.

( 4 ) Observe the battery for abnormal intercell

connector heating.
( 5 ) At the conclusion of the test, determine
the battery capacity according to the procedure
outlined in 6.5.

6.5 Determining Battery Capacity. For an acceptance or performance test, use the following
equation to determine the battery capacity at
the test rate. Percent capacity at the test rate,
at 25 "C (77 "F)= Ta/T, 100, where

6.2 Test Length. The recommended procedure

is to make a capacity test for approximately the

same length of time as the duty cycle for which
the battery is sized. See 6.6 for test length of the
service test.

Ta = actual time of test to specified terminal

voltage (see 6.4(2))
T, = rated time to specified terminal voltage
10

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~

ANSWEEE
NICKELCADMIUM STORAGE BATTERIES FOR GENERATING STATIONS AND SUBSTATIONS

Table 1
Discharge Current Correction
Factor K for Temperature
(Cl

Initial Temperature

(U

FactorK
Range

- 17.8
- 12.2
- 6.7
- 1.1
4.4
10.0
15.6
21.1
25-45

O
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
77-115

1.1-2.0
1.1-1.6
1.1-1.5
1.1-1.3
1.0-1.2
1.0-1.1
1.0-1.1
1.0-1.1
1.0

6.6 Service Test. A service test is a special battery test which may be required to determine if
the battery will meet the design requirements
(battery duty cycle) of the dc system (see 5.3).
The system designer must establish the test procedure and acceptance criteria prior to the test.
Recommended procedure for the test is as follows:
(1)The initial conditions shall be as identified
in 6.1 (omit items ( 1 ) and (2)).
(2) The discharge rates and test length should
correspond as closely as is practical to the design
requirements of the dc system.
(3) If the battery does not meet the design
requirements of the dc system, review its rating
to see if it is properly sized. High-rate charge
the battery, inspect it as discussed in 4.3, take
necessary corrective action, and repeat the service test. A battery performance test (see 5.2)
may also be required to determine whether the
problem is the battery or the application.

Std 1106-1987

dicates the remaining margin above service life

capacity is approaching one year. The timing of
the replacement is a function of the sizing criteria utilized and the capacity margin available,
compared to the load requirements. Whenever
replacement is required, the recommended maximum time for replacement is one year. Other
factors, such as unsatisfactory battery service
test results (see 5.3) require battery replacement, unless a satisfactory service test can be
obtained following corrective actions.
Replacement cells, if used, should be compatible with existing cells and should be tested prior
to installation. Replacement cells are not usually recommended as the battery nears the end
of its life.
Failure to hold a charge, as shown by cell
voltage, is a good indicator for further investigation into the need for replacement.

8. Records
Data obtained from inspections and corrective
actions are important to the operation and life
of the batteries. Data such as indicated in 4.3
should be recorded at the time of installation
and as specified during each inspection. Records
should also contain reports on corrective actions
(see 4.4),and on tests indicating discharge rates,
their duration, and results. At nuclear stations,
records of class 1E batteries shall include a written test procedure and documentation adequate
to meet the requirements of ANSI/IEEE Std
308-1980 [ Z].3
It is recommended that forms be prepared to
record all data in an orderly fashion and in such
a way that comparison with past data is convenient. A meaningful comparison will require
that all data be converted to a standard base in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

6.7 Restoration. Disconnect all test apparatus.

High-rate charge the battery and return to normal service.

7. Replacement Criteria
The recommended practice is to replace the
battery if its capacity as determined in 6.5 in-

3Numbers in brackets correspond to those of the references listed in Section 3 of this recommended practice.

11

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ANSI/IEEE
Std 1106-1987

IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND REPLACEMENT OF

Appendixes
(These Appendixes are not a part of ANSIIIEEE Std 1106-1987, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing,
and Replacement of Nickel-CadmiumStorage Batteries for Generating Stations and Substations, but are included as an adjunct
to the standard to provide assistance in understanding the item and application of the standard to the item.)

Appendix A
Nickel-Cadmium Battery
1.40-1.47 Normal float voltage per cell.
Charged batteries will be maintained in a
charged condition with low water consumption.
1.52-1.55 High-rate charge voltage per cell.
This is a practical recharge voltage to be used
in recharging a partially o r fully discharged battery without exceeding system limitations.
1.56- 1.75 Maximum high-rate charge voltage
per cell. For most rapid recharge of a partially
or fully discharged battery. Should be used for
all installations where the connected equipment
is not affected by the resultant high over-all voltage or where voltage-sensitive equipment can be
either disconnected during recharge, or isolated
by a voltage regulating device.

A l Construction. The nickel hydrate positive

active materials and the cadmium hydrate / cadmium oxide negative active materials are firmly
contained in plates of alternate polarity, insulated by separators, and formed into plate
groups. Plate groups are assembled into cells
with either plastic or steel containers. One or
more cells connected together constitute a battery.
A2 Electrolyte. Nickel-cadmium battery electrolyte is an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH). Lithium hydroxide is sometimes
added. The alkaline electrolyte does not enter
into the electrochemical charge /discharge reactions, it merely acts as an ionic conductor of
uniform low resistance. Consequently, the specific gravity does not change with the state of
charge of the cell.
Specific gravity readings are not required as
part of the normal maintenance routine for
nickel-cadmium batteries.
Electrolyte specific gravity as furnished by the
manufacturers may vary slightly (1.180-1.200).
Each manufacturer publishes specific gravity
correction factors for temperature, or electrolyte
levels, or both.
In most stationary battery applications, the
electrolyte will retain its effectiveness for the
life of the battery. However, under special battery service conditions, such as high temperature, or frequent cycling, or both, potassium
carbonate buildup in the electrolyte may reach
a level that will influence battery performance.
If the electrolyte is found to be carbonized (using
the manufacturer's test kit) battery performance can be improved by replacing the electrolyte.

CAUTION: Assure that charging at high-rate voltages does

not exceed the tolerances of voltage-sensitive equipment.
Continuous high-rate charging is not recommended because
of high water consumption.

A4 Capacity and Charging Voltage. The

nickelcadmium industry uses the term "fully
charged'' to identify the condition that exists
following a long-term, constant current charge.
Constant potential float conditions will reduce
capacity to some degree, dependent upon the test
discharge rate. Manufacturers are able to provide capacities based upon constant potential
float charge conditions.
Nickel-cadmium battery capacity at different
discharge rates is very sensitive to the constant
potential charging voltage. For example, a battery charged at 1.42 V per cell may meet the
manufacturer's presently published capacity a t
a long time discharge rate, but not necessarily
at its published capacity for a shorter time rate.
A5 Temperature. Nickel-cadmium batteries
will operate satisfactorily over a wide temperature range, typically -55 "C ( -67 "F) to
70 "C (158 "F). At temperatures lower than
+25 "C ( +77
the battery's performance capability is affected and it must be derated. Electrolyte with normal density (specific gravity of

A3 Cell/Battery Voltage. The nominal open

circuit voltage for the nickelcadmium cell is
1.30 V per cell. Although each manufacturer of
nickel-cadmium batteries provides recommendations, the following may be used as a guide:

OF),

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NICKELCADMIUM STORAGE BATTERIES FOR GENERATING STATIONS AND SUBSTATIONS

1.180-1.200) will solidify at temperatures below

-20 "C( -4
Higher density electrolytes are
required for operation at lower temperatures.
Consult the manufacturer.
At temperatures higher than +25 "C( +77 "FI,
there is no meaningful increase in capacity. BatO F ) .

Std 1106-1987

tery life is adversely affected by extremely high

temperatures. The recommended high temperature operating limit is +45 "C ( + 113 O F ) . The
battery will operate if subjected to intermittent
higher temperatures of up to 70 "C ( 158 "F),
but its life span will be shortened.

Appendix B
State of Charge Determination and
Charging
charger (at least momentarily this will be Significantly higher than noted in (1)).
( 5 ) Read and record the voltage at the battery
terminals. Continue the high-rate charge until
the voltage reaches the high-rate maximum voltage previously established for the system.
(a) If the high-rate charge voltage is
reached within a few minutes and the current
output from the charger drops to approximately
the float current found in (i), the battery is
charged; or
(b) if the high-rate charge voltage is not
reached rapidly, it indicates the charger is in
current limit and that the battery is in need of
charging; or
(c) if the charge current is unaccountably
greater than the charge current output found
in (11, the battery is in need of a charge.

A fully charged nickel-cadmium battery maintained at a normal float voltage will remain in
a charged condition subject to the limitations
described in Appendix A4. When the battery's
state of charge is in question because of these
limitations or because of a recent discharge, the
following procedure may be used to assure that
the battery is fully charged. This procedure presupposes that the battery charger is a two-rate
(float and high-rate), constant potential type,
with sufficient current capacity to carry both
the connected loads and the charging current
required by the battery.
With the battery on normal float charge:
(1) Read and record the current output of the
charger in amperes.
(2) Read and record the voltage at the battery
terminals.
(3) Note the time when readings (1)and (2)
were taken.
Place the charger in the high-rate charge
mode:
(4) Read and record the current output of the

NOTE It is recommended that the high-rate charge, if required, be continued until such time as the charge current
is essentially the same as the current recorded in (1); normally no longer than 72 hours is required. At completion of
high-rate charging, return charger to float voltage.

Appendix C
Corrective Actions
C1 Low-Voltage Cell. If the voltage of an individual cell in a floating battery is found to be
1.35 V or less, apply a high-rate charge to that
cell, if possible.

enough to expose plates, add water immediately.

If visual inspection shows no evidence of leakage, then high-rate charge the battery and test
it in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

C2 Water Consumption. Unusual water consumption is an indication of excessive charge

voltage. When it ' becomes necessary to add
water, fill all cells to the maximum level with
distilled or other approved quality water. Check
the charger voltage setting at the battery terminals.
If the level of electrolyte has dropped low

C3 Low-Voltage Battery. If the total battery

float voltage is found to be less than 1.40 V per
cell, the battery is not being charged properly.
A t 1.30 V per cell, the battery is in a discharging
state. Follow Appendix B to determine the state
of charge and take corrective action.

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Std 1106-1987

Appendix D
Intercell and Terminal Resistances
It is a good practice to measure and record
intercell and terminal connection detail resistances (as a baseline) upon installation. It is very
important that surveillance measurements
(4.3.3)be consistent with baseline measurements so as to detect changes that could be
caused by corrosion or loose connections. Increased resistance is a cause for concern and
may require corrective action.
Normal installation resistances vary greatly
as a function of the size of the installation-for
example, from less than 10 pR for a large battery to as much as 100 p a for a smaller battery.

Methods for taking these readings include use

of digital low resistance ohmmeters or measurement of millivolt drop during capacity testing. The manufacturer should be contacted for
the expected values. It is customary to use either
a 20% increase in resistance above the installation value or a resistance reading exceeding
the manufacturerk recommended limit as the
criterion for initiation of corrective action prior
to the next inspection. The timing of the corrective action should be determined by an analysis of the effect of the increased resistance.

Appendix E
Alternative Practices for Non-Class 1E
Nuclear Applications

As outlined in 4.3 and 4.4 of this document,

periodic inspections and subsequent corrective
actions are intended to provide a properly maintained battery that will meet its performance
requirements. The performance and service
tests outlined in 5.2 and 5.3 can be used to demonstrate the adequacy of maintenance practices.

Each of these recommended practices of inspections and tests should be used as best suited for
the particular needs of the application. It is the
userk responsibility to format the maintenance,
inspection, and testing program to optimize the
benefits available.

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