STS Model 1656/1657 Battery Element Testers for Production Quality Test

Battery Element Tester

All STS Battery Element Testers provide a unique method for the detection of assembly level insulation defects in lead-acid batteries, including missing and damaged separators. Detection of such faults prior to filling and charging the battery minimizes costly reclamation. Traditional AC dielectric tests can detect such faults, but may produce damaging heat in moist cell applications. To overcome this limitation, STS has developed testers that employ a high-voltage, short duration pulse to maximize stress to the dielectric material while minimizing average energy. The goal is to provide sufficient stress to cause current flow in the presence of a failure. This technique allows reliable fault detection while eliminating damage due to overheating that may occur with an AC test.

All testers feature an adjustable test voltage with a peak output of 3,000 volts, accommodating a wide range of separator spacing and types. Durable solid state switching of the high voltage assures reliability for high volume applications. Easy-to-read displays provide readouts for applied voltage and quality readback. Following a simple setup procedure, operation is go/no-go, and requires no operator interpretation of results. The test voltage is applied using included safety probes. When a failure occurs, the high voltage is shut off and both audible and visual alarms warn the operator of the failure.

Important Benefits

Increase your product quality and reliability by rigorous in-line high voltage testing of your battery element separator plates during the production process. Reduce field failures, costly recalls and dissatisfied customers by adding the 1656 Battery Element Tester to your Lead Acid Battery production line.

Hidden imperfections in your separator plates are difficult to detect using conventional means. When using traditional AC hi-pot testing to detect such failures, excessive heating can occur in moist cell applications resulting in possible damage of the unit under test.

The 1656 uses a unique short-duration high voltage pulse instead which maximizes stress on the dielectric material for fault detection but induces minimal energy.

Advanced Technology

The Model 1656 tester uses modern digital technology to obtain new levels of accuracy and fault detection compared to previous generation, analog battery element testers. Sporting an easy to read full color display and simple menu driven user interface, the 1656 represents a significant step forward in ease of use.

The 1656 offers fully adjustable test voltage with a peak output capability of 3000 volts, accommodating a wide range of separator spacings and types. Durable solid state switching of the high voltage output assures reliability for high volume applications.

Easy-to-read readouts for applied test voltage and quality reading make this unit very operator friendly, requiring minimal training and setup.  Operation is go/nogo, and requires no operator interpretation of results. The test voltage is applied using included safety probes. When a failure occurs, the high voltage is shut off and both audible and visual alarms warn the operator of any failure.

• Designed for Quick and Accurate Fault Detection on High Volume Production Lines
• Detects Fault Prior to Costly Reclamation
• Produces Rapid Go/No-Go Results for Faster Throughput
• Safe, Efficient, Easy-to-Use Safety Probes for Applying High Voltage
• Lockout Feature Shuts Off High Voltage if Product Fails
• Large Color LCD Display for High Voltage Output and Test Results
• Easy Menu Driven Operation
• Solid State Design for Durability in High Volume Product Testing
• Audible and Visual Failure Indicators
• Available Auto-Line Option for automated in-line production test

• Automotive Engine Starting, Lighting and Ignition Batteries (SLI)
• Power Backup and Energy Storage System Batteries
• Traction Application Batteries
• Most Battery Types with Separators