A-A-55439A
3.3 Covers. Covers shall meet the same physical, chemical, and electrical requirements as the container
material. Covers may be one-piece or multiple cell construction. The cell cover for non-maintenance free
batteries shall have an opening for each cell for a filling plug and the observation of the electrolyte level.
The plugs may be of the screw, bayonet, gang, or push-in type and shall incorporate baffles or other
means of minimizing the splashing of electrolyte. The material in the plugs shall be non-absorbent, acid-
resistant, and have no adverse effect on the electrolyte. The filler plugs shall incorporate an anti-flame
propagation device and shall be vented.
3.4 Sealing compound and heat sealing. The seal resulting from sealing by compound or heat shall be
acid-resisting and shall be unbroken between the cover and the container throughout a temperature
range 0º F (-17.77º C) to 150º F (65.55º C), with no adhesion failures.
3.5 Maintenance free batteries, classes 5, 6, and 7. Maintenance free batteries shall not require the
addition of water during normal service life. A provision for the anti-flame propagation device and gas
venting shall be incorporated in the design. An opening in the battery cover to allow for the addition of
water shall not be provided. The battery cover and vent system shall be designed to prevent electrolyte
loss during service and up to a 45 degree tilt to keep the top of the battery free from electrolyte. Side
terminals shall be of the types which are to be mated with sealed terminal connectors to tightly secure
and seal the termination from corrosion and assure a maintenance-free connection.
3.6 Terminal seals. Terminal seals shall be provided to prevent leakage between terminals and the
battery cover or container and shall be acid-resistant.
3.7 Metal parts. All metal parts, other than lead alloys, shall be coated with lead, or otherwise treated to
resist acid.
3.8 Plates. Plates used in construction of batteries shall be of the size, number, and thickness that will
enable the battery to meet its electrical performance requirements as specified in SAE J537.
3.9 Intercell connectors and post straps. Intercell connectors of 12-volt batteries shall not be exposed.
3.10 Separators. The separators shall be of a material that will enable the battery to meet the
performance requirements as specified in SAE J537.
3.11 Double insulation. When specified, double insulation shall be furnished in batteries of the types in
which double insulation is available. The double insulation shall be furnished in batteries recommended
for motor coach or bus service. When a battery is built with double insulation, the cold activation, reserve
capacity, and cold cranking requirements shall be reduced 15 percent from the values listed in SAE J537.
For the purpose of this description, double insulation is defined as the use of a retaining sheet of
perforated , porous material, including glass mats, between the positive plate and the customary single
separator.
3.12 Terminals. The terminals and polarity marking shall be in accordance with SAE J537.
3.13 Electrolyte. Unless otherwise specified, wet charged batteries shall be furnished with electrolyte
that at full charge has a specified gravity of 1.265 ± .010 at 80 ºF (26.66 ºC) at time of shipment. Unless
otherwise specified, electrolyte shall not be furnished with batteries shipped dry charged.
3.13.1 Electrolyte level classes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Electrolyte level shall be not less than .375 inch (9.53 mm)
above the top of the separators and the level shall be easily observable.
3.13.2 Dry-charged batteries. After activation in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions,
batteries shall meet the performance requirements specified in SAE J537.
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