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title: "Maintenance"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/LB/2435613122/Maintenance"
format: markdown
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> Macro (toc)

> ℹ️ **WARNING**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Do not attempt to open or dismantle the Li-ion battery. Li-ion batteries do not contain any serviceable parts.

# Preparation

Before cleaning or maintaining Li-ion batteries use the following precautions:

- Disconnect the Li-ion battery pack from all loads and charging devices.
- Remove the battery pack from the pedestal.
- Remove the fuse.
- Cover the main battery pack loom connector with electrical tape to avoid contaminating the connector.

During cleaning and maintenance activities keep the battery pack in a clean, cool, and dry place. Keep water, oil, and dirt away from the batteries.

# Inspection

> ℹ️ **WARNING**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Do not attempt to charge or use a damaged Li-ion battery pack.
> ℹ️ - Do not touch the liquid from a ruptured Li-ion battery pack.

Lithium battery packs don’t require cleaning or maintenance during normal use. Before installation and during regular site maintenance inspect the battery packs for damage of any kind including:

- Loose or damaged wiring and contacts.
- Cracks or deformation.
- Leaks.

Replace any damaged battery packs.

# Cleaning

- Dry the battery pack with a soft, dry, cloth before use.
- If the battery pack needs cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth. Never use liquids, solvents, or abrasives to clean a battery pack.
- To clean the fuse holder or the main battery pack loom connector, use dry compressed air.
- Reapply CRC soft seal annually as per the technical data sheet.

# Charging

> ℹ️ **WARNING**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Do not use pulse-charging battery chargers.

The battery pack may be partially charged when you receive it. This may be enough for powering most sites until solar charging is available, but some applications may require the batteries be given a full charge prior to installation.

If a lithium battery pack runs flat, the over-discharge protection function may be activated. When this happens, the battery must be recharged using a suitable charger.

> ℹ️ **Note - CTEK chargers**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ If the battery voltage falls below 10 V, the CTEK charger’s Under-Voltage Protection (UVP)  may prevent it from detecting the battery. In this case you can either:
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Press the RESET button on the CTEK charger for ten seconds to bypass the UVP and initiate a recovery charge.
> ℹ️ - Use a bench charger (at 12 V and <= 500 mA) to raise the battery voltage above 10 V and then switch to the CTEK charger to fully charge the battery.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ This method should only be used if the battery shows no physical damage or swelling.

Charge the battery pack in a well-ventilated, clean area that is easily accessible. The relative humidity should be less than 90%.

Rubicon Water recommends the using a lithium battery charger, such as the items pictured below, capable of charging the battery to 14.4 V. Follow the guidelines provided in the Battery Charger Manual and use the charging parameters listed in the table below.

> ℹ️ **Caution**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Verify that the battery is correctly hooked up to the charger with the positive wire on the **red** (+) terminal and the negative wire on the **black** (-) terminal.

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