How to Test a Battery using Test Meter?

How to Test a Battery using Analog Test Meter?

There are numerous tools and meters available to test batteries, including car batteries and cells, to check and measure their efficiency and condition. While a digital multimeter can be used to test batteries, for a more accurate assessment, specialized tools such as digital battery testers, multi-battery testers, 12-volt electronic battery and starting/charging system testers, and electronic battery and system testers are recommended. These tools provide a detailed evaluation to determine whether the battery is in good condition or if it is dead.

Related Post: Why is a Battery Rated in Ah (Ampere hour), Not in VA?

Testing a 12V Battery with Test Meter

To test the battery with a test meter, follow these steps:

1. Connect Clamps to battery terminal red to positive (+) and black to Negative (-). Twist clamps to insure good connection.
2. Read “STATE OF CHARGE ②” on scale 2. If necessary, recharge the battery until meter reads “OK” in order to properly test the battery.
3. Press LOAD TEST BUTTON for 5 second while READING BATTERY CONDITION ① on scale 1 and note the reading scale. Now release button
4. Read “STATE OF CHARGE ②” on scale 2. Determine battery condition below
5. Check vehicle charging system with tester connected warm up engine run at 1500-2000 RPM. Read and note “CHARGING SYSTEM SCALE ③”.

Now, compare your results with the following table to analyze the battery status.

Click image to enlarge

If the battery test meter shows the result on scale ③ as OK, it means the battery’s charging current and time are within acceptable limits. If the result is LOW or HI, it indicates a low charging rate or a high charging rate, respectively. In such cases, you need to check the voltage and amperage you are using for charging purposes.

For more accurate and reliable results, allow the tester to cool down for 10 minutes between each battery test.

Related Posts:

• Why Can’t We Store AC in Batteries instead of DC?
• Why Can’t a 12V Car Battery Electrocute You?
• What Happens if a Battery is Connected to the AC Supply?
• How to Calculate the Right Size Battery? Battery Bank Size Calculator
• Battery Life Calculator
• Battery Capacity Calculator