Updates

Manbat introduce new Battery Validation tool ‘Connect + Reset’
Manbat are introducing their own battery validation tool, which will allow technicians to put the company’s advice into practice and correctly install the batteries Manbat supplies.

As is becoming increasingly understood, the battery in a micro-hybrid vehicle (one fitted with a Start-Stop function) is central to its electrical systems and is therefore constantly governed by a battery management module, which monitors its voltage, current, temperature and operating time.

This information is processed to determine the battery’s state of charge, starting capacity, electrical consumption, energy reserve and optimum charging voltage, to ensure the system applies the correct charging regime and keeps it in the best possible condition.

Fitting the battery for which the system was designed is therefore crucial and the process of ‘validation’ is to ensure the battery and battery management module are diagnostically connected and able to communicate with one another correctly.

Failure to validate the battery will cause issues with the Start-Stop functionality, the shutdown of non-essential electrical systems and the premature failure of the replacement because the system will ‘assume’ the new battery is in the same degraded condition as the old battery it replaced.

By using the Connect+Reset battery validation tool, will ensure the longevity and performance of the newly-installed battery, especially with vehicles with Start-Stop EFB/AGM technology.

Numax AGM
The Numax AGM battery features even higher cyclic stability and recharges more quickly than conventional lead-acid batteries. These characteristics are essential, especially when it comes to advanced systems which employ regenerative braking and other fuel-saving technologies.

There is a discernible shift in the battery landscape as the number of batteries specifically designed for vehicles fitted with a Start-Stop system are starting to have an impact in the aftermarket as sales of AGM (absorbed glass mat) and EFB (enhanced flooded battery) batteries are increasing.

Although there will be no overnight change, this shift can only gain momentum, particularly as it is predicted that this year, in excess of 70% of global automotive vehicle production will incorporate a Start-Stop system and therefore necessitate the inclusion of an AGM/EFB battery.

For more information contact our sales team at Manbat: [email protected]

Manbat & Noco - it's genius!
We are delighted to have agreed a distribution arrangement with NOCO for a range of high quality chargers and a battery booster.

The NOCO GB30 Genius BOOST sets new standards when it comes to portable power and makes it entirely practical for the average motorist to carry a ‘pocket-sized’ jump starter in case of emergency, because incredibly, the GB30, which contains a high density lithium-ion battery, is capable of starting a petrol vehicle with up to a 6.0-litre engine or a 2.5-litre diesel for as many as 20 times on one charge!

The charger range consists of several models of various capacities, all naturally with smart charging technology, which means they can remain permanently connected, as once they’ve charged the battery, they are designed to maintain it to ensure it remains in the best possible condition, whatever and wherever the application.

What’s more, it also features spark-proof technology, is reverse polarity protected, holds its charge for a year and fits into the smallest glove box or the seat pocket. Also, as it uses a USB connection, it can charge or be charged from virtually any device: laptop, smartphone, tablet etc. If all this wasn’t enough, it also incorporates an ultra-bright, dual LED flashlight with seven modes including SOS and emergency strobe.

When it comes to those suitable for heavy duty commercial vehicle batteries, it’s the three biggest chargers that will be the most appropriate and these start with the G7200UK, which at 7.2-amps, provides the power required for batteries up to 230Ah in either 12 or 24-volt form. In addition to its immense charge capacity, it also incorporates several specialist charging modes designed to recover severely discharged batteries that will no longer accept a ‘normal’ charge. Next is the G15000UK at 15-amps and finally, comes the GS26000UK at 26-amps, both of which can deal with batteries of up to 500Ah capacity.

Among their many outstanding features, it’s worth mentioning that these chargers have the ability to remember their last selected operational mode, apply a high-voltage pulse charge when low-voltage, sulphation or lost capacity is detected and are protected against reverse polarity, sparks, overcharging, overcurrent, open-circuits, short-circuits and overheating.

In addition, they self-adjust the charge based on the ambient temperature, are able to charge the central networking system and are suitable for lead-acid, Gel, EFB/AGM and lithium-ion batteries.

Check your Hazardous Waste Codes....
Within the last month there have been changes to the way waste is classified, brought about by amendments to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations. Certain descriptions have changed, for example, Risk phrases have been replaced by Hazard Statements and their thresholds are different.

Most importantly for those handling waste batteries, Hazard codes have been replaced with Hazardous Properties, so to ensure continued compliance you need to review the classification of the waste leaving your site and the information you put on your Consignment Note. This can be done using the new guidance WM3, or customers of our sister company, G & P Batteries, can call them for assistance.