Testing Batteries w Volt Meter

ncorry · 09-15-2015, 04:58 PM

A couple of questions concerning voltage testing batteries with a DC voltmeter. I will be testing eight series-connected 6-volt batteries in a 48Volt Bad Boy Buggy.

Do I need to unhook any battery cables? If so, which ones?

Can I use a DC voltmeter across the entire pack? As in the start and end of the series connection- the negative and positive posts (B+ and B-) that go to the charger?

Or, do I need to unhook each battery from its downstream and upstream neighbor and test it individually?

Is testing specific gravity with a hydrometer "better" than the DC voltmeter? It seems like it would take a lot more time.

Thank you.

Volt_Ampere · 09-15-2015, 05:38 PM

You do not need to unhook anything to measure the individual and total battery voltages. DC voltages are an indicator of state of charge as is the Specific Gravity. You really need to test them under load to verify that they are able to provide the necessary current.

Sir Nuke · 09-15-2015, 06:44 PM

bowmanfence · 09-15-2015, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volt_Ampere

You do not need to unhook anything to measure the individual and total battery voltages. DC voltages are an indicator of state of charge as is the Specific Gravity. You really need to test them under load to verify that they are able to provide the necessary current.

Definitely test under load, all my batteries tested ok until under load. I used gator clips to the individual batteries to help a little and checked them on flat ground and hills.

mattadata · 09-16-2015, 11:26 AM

Yes. For whole pack voltage, you can put your voltmeter leads on the charging port and measure while driving. (Easier with a helper!)

biggie1976 · 09-16-2015, 02:22 PM

or jack stands...

hmsnider · 09-16-2015, 02:25 PM

Or install a DVM in the dash. That's the easiest and safest I have found.Cheap to.

ncorry · 09-16-2015, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmsnider

Or install a DVM in the dash. That's the easiest and safest I have found.Cheap to.

It's got one, well, it's more of a gauge- maybe 10 red bars running horizonatally when fully charged, and drops bars as the batteries are discharged. It is not what I'd call a good one.

IS there a good / better one?

Edited- http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digita...ry_Meters.html

Anyone got a picture of the Scotty B Digital Battery Meter? Anyone know which plate I'd need to replace the bar meter in a Bad Boy Buggy? I think it's the same one that is in EZGOs. Thank you.

cgtech · 09-16-2015, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggie1976

or jack stands...

Cant do any meaningful load testing on jack stands, the motor wont be pushing any load, just freespinning which draws nearly no current.

hmsnider · 09-16-2015, 04:04 PM

Check on E-Bay. Search "Golf Cart Digital Volt Meter"

09-15-2015, 04:58 PM	#1
ncorry Getting Wild Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 102	Testing Batteries w Volt Meter A couple of questions concerning voltage testing batteries with a DC voltmeter. I will be testing eight series-connected 6-volt batteries in a 48Volt Bad Boy Buggy. Do I need to unhook any battery cables? If so, which ones? Can I use a DC voltmeter across the entire pack? As in the start and end of the series connection- the negative and positive posts (B+ and B-) that go to the charger? Or, do I need to unhook each battery from its downstream and upstream neighbor and test it individually? Is testing specific gravity with a hydrometer "better" than the DC voltmeter? It seems like it would take a lot more time. Thank you.
ncorry Getting Wild Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 102

09-15-2015, 05:38 PM	#2
Volt_Ampere Gone Wild Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rio Verde, Az Posts: 7,190	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter You do not need to unhook anything to measure the individual and total battery voltages. DC voltages are an indicator of state of charge as is the Specific Gravity. You really need to test them under load to verify that they are able to provide the necessary current.

09-15-2015, 06:44 PM	#3
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Join Date: May 2013 Location: West Columbia, Texas Posts: 17,998	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter

09-16-2015, 11:26 AM	#5
mattadata Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 247	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter Yes. For whole pack voltage, you can put your voltmeter leads on the charging port and measure while driving. (Easier with a helper!)

09-16-2015, 02:22 PM	#6
biggie1976 Gone Wild Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Rock Hill SC Posts: 193	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter or jack stands...

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09-16-2015, 02:25 PM	#7
hmsnider Getting Wild Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 106	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter Or install a DVM in the dash. That's the easiest and safest I have found.Cheap to.

09-16-2015, 04:04 PM	#10
hmsnider Getting Wild Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 106	Re: Testing Batteries w Volt Meter Check on E-Bay. Search "Golf Cart Digital Volt Meter"

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