Xantrex Truecharge 20+ Amp Owner's Manual - Maintenance Guidelines

Battery Maintenance

C–2

Maintenance Guidelines

Electrolyte

At a minimum, check the level of the electrolyte in each battery cell once 

a month (for flooded batteries). It should be above the top of the plates, 

but not completely full. Most batteries have a plastic cup that just touches 

the electrolyte when the cell is full. Don’t overfill the batteries, or the 

electrolyte will spill out when the batteries are being charged. Refill the 

batteries with distilled water only—“spring” water and regular tap water 

may have high mineral levels. These can poison the battery chemistry and 

reduce battery life and should not be used.

Battery 

connections

It is also good to periodically check the battery connections for tightness 

and corrosion. If you find any corrosion, disconnect power from 

Truecharge+, disconnect the cables, and carefully clean them with a mild 

solution of baking soda and water. Ensure that all caps are on tight so 

solution doesn’t enter the battery. Rinse the top of the battery with clean 

water when you have finished.

To reduce the amount of corrosion on the battery terminals, coat them 

with anti-corrosion grease or liquid neoprene (liquid electrical tape) after 

re-assembly. This is available from automotive parts stores or battery 

suppliers. Do not apply anything between the terminal and the cable lugs. 

The connection should be metal to metal. Apply the protective material 

only after the bolts have been tightened.

Dirty batteries can leak current and tend to run warmer. Cleaning batteries 

when necessary is easy and safe when you follow the instructions below.

WARNING Risk of acid burns

Wear appropriate eye protection and rubber gloves when 

carrying out battery maintenance activities.

WARNING Risk of fire, explosion, burns

Use caution when wearing jewellery or working with metal tools 

around batteries. Do not allow any metal object to contact both 

battery terminals at the same time. The metal may become 

welded to the battery terminals causing extreme heating or fire.