Digital Battery Analyzer

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Which Argus tester is appropriate for testing UPS batteries?

The Argus AA500P is the correct tester for most 12V UPS battery applications.  Results may be displayed in units of internal resistance (ohms), siemens (MHO), or converted to other rating systems such as CCA, or A.  Importantly, the LPR test technology of the AA500P allows testing of 12V batteries while they remain on-line.  Using the Argus AA500P, there is no need to shut down the system and remove the batteries for testing. 

What types of batteries can be tested?

Any lead acid 12V battery with a nominal CCA rating of 50CCA or greater can be tested.  This includes wet/flooded, maintenance free, gel, and AGM batteries.

Can I test heavy duty batteries with an AA tester?

Yes.  However, for batteries that do not have a standard automotive rating such as (SAE, EN, DIN, IEC) you will need to manually compare the test results to a known reference value for that battery.  You can determine a reference value by measuring a battery of the same model that is known to be in perfect / new condition. 

Can the tester be used to measure batteries installed in parallel?

Models AA300, AA350, AA400 and AA500P use LPR to measure internal resistance.  The test will measure all resistance between the tester clamps including the resistance of the parallel connection cables.  For accurate results it is recommended that the parallel connection cables be removed and each battery be tested individually.  The testers also use the CrankCheck test.  For the CrankCheck test, the batteries can remain in a parallel configuration.

Can the tester be used to test two 12V batteries in series?

Yes, but each battery must be tested individually.  The AA tester may be damaged if connected to 24V.  You need not disconnect the batteries from each other or from the vehicle to test.

How do I test 12 batteries connected together in a pack?

If the batteries are in series, you do not need to disconnect them from each other to test.  You can safely and accurately test each battery individually as long as you attach only across a single 12V battery.  CAUTION:  Connecting the tester to 24V of potential can fatally damage the tester.

If the batteries are in parallel, you can safely but not accurately test a battery while it is connected to the other batteries.  In parallel configurations we suggest disconnecting the batteries from each other, and measuring each battery separately to increase the accuracy of your measurements.

Does the tester work on GEL batteries?

Yes.  All AA series testers work on GEL batteries.  Select the VRLA setting at the start of the test sequence.  VRLA is the acronym for Valve Regulated Lead Acid.  The  category of VRLA batteries includes GEL and AGM batteries. 

 

Does the tester have a battery inside?

Only the AA500P has a small 'coin battery' (CR-2032) inside.  This battery preserves the date and time memory that prints on the printed test report.  This battery will normally last 2 to 5 years.  An icon will be show on the display when this battery needs to be replaced.   The internal battery does not power the test functions.  Power to operate the test is provided exclusively by the battery being tested. 

 

What happens if I connect it backwards?

Nothing.  The tester will not be damaged and will not operate until it is connected properly.

 

Does the tester discharge the battery during the LPR test?

No.  While all AA series testers (not including the AA200) apply a 100A test load to evaluate battery condition, the load is applied for less than one millisecond, so the total power consumed by the tester is immeasurably small.

 

Can the tester be used for bench testing batteries?

Yes.  Batteries can be tested on the bench by all AA series testers, except the AA200.  The AA350 is specifically designed for bench testing. 

In addition to the LPR test (useful for bench testing,) the AA500P, 400, and 300 include CrankCheck technology.  If the battery is not installed in a vehicle, the CrankCheck test is automatically bypassed in the test routine. 

 

Will the tester work on discharged batteries?

Yes, the AA500P, 400, 350 include algorithms that allow the testing of discharged batteries.  In most situations there is no need to charge a battery before testing. 

However, if the charge level is below 20% of a normally full battery, some test results will be automatically disabled.  If the resting battery voltage is below 9V the tester will not operate.  In this situation, the battery must be charged before testing. 

 

Can I test 24V batteries with an AA500P, AA400, AA350, AA300, AA200 tester?

These tester models are designed for testing only 12V nominal batteries.  Testing a 24V battery can damage your AA tester and connected printer.  However, most 24V batteries are composed of two 12V batteries.  If this is the case, you can test each battery individually.  A procedure for testing 24V battery packs using the AA500P is available for <download.> {link to 24V battery testing guide .pdf}

 

Can I test 6V batteries with an AA500P, AA400, AA350, AA300, AA200 tester?

These tester models are designed for testing only 12V nominal batteries.  Testing a 6V battery will not damage your AA tester, but most of the results of the tests will be omitted or not useful.  All testers will correctly display voltage, and the AA500P will correctly display the battery internal resistance (mOhm) and the Siemens (MHO) value.