Battery load plug: features, device and application

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

A car battery that has a low charge will cause a lot of trouble to its owner. The battery can fail and take a long time to restore it. To avoid this unpleasant situation, it is necessary to regularly service the battery. Using a load plug, analyze the main characteristics and evaluate the level of battery performance. To correctly use this device, you need to find out how it works and how it works. This is what we will analyze today.

Design and principle of operation

The main task of this device is to control the battery voltage. Measurements can be carried out both under load and in open circuit EMF mode. Technically, a load plug is nothing more than a voltmeter equipped with load resistors and probes for connecting to the car battery terminals. Looksit's like a small metal case with wires. Clamps are connected to the wires.

Functional capabilities of the device

With the help of these testers you can measure a lot of important parameters. The number of these parameters depends on how the device is equipped.

What can this device do? The load plug allows you to measure the output voltage level from the car's alternator, but this is not possible on all models. Also measure with this plug the current battery level in the car. You can determine how long the battery is able to store a charge reserve, find out the battery life. Also available are checks for a short circuit between the lead plates in the battery. With the help of this fork, the degree of sulfation of the plates, as well as other parameters, are also evaluated.

Popular models

Most often in stores you can find models VN-1 and NV-01. These devices were designed and then manufactured to test automotive and any other batteries, the voltage and capacity of which were 12 Volts and 190 Ah, respectively.

Among the features and technical characteristics of the VN-1 device, one can single out especially important ones. The temperature range in which this fork shows accurate results is from 0 to 35 degrees. The device is equipped with a voltmeter capable of measuring from 0 to 15 volts. The resistance of the resistor is 0.1 ohm. The device has the ability to take measurements in two modes - this is a short-term and repeated measurement mode.

The load plug for the VN-1 battery has practically gone out of use for the modern motorist. Instead, they use a modern, new and accurate model HB-01. The fork has improved performance. The measurement accuracy is 2.5%. Measurements with a voltmeter are carried out in the range from 0 V to 15 V. The load in this plug is from 100 A to 200 A. The device works confidently in a wide temperature range. The load spiral resistor is 0.1 ohm.

Model HB-02 is used to test batteries with capacitive characteristics from 15 to 240 Ah. At the same time, you can work with a plug only with a voltage of 12 V. The device differs from analogues in high measurement accuracy - 2.5%. The load is standard for equipment of this class - from 100 to 200 amperes. The temperature range in which the device in question can be operated is from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius.

All devices are equipped with a pointer-type voltmeter. A more modern HB-03 device has a digital voltmeter. Readings are displayed on the liquid crystal display.

The accuracy of the HB-03 is much higher than other similar devices - it is 0.5 percent. The measurement range of the voltmeter is from 0 to 16 Volts. Operating modes are conveniently switched by buttons.

Universal plug HB-04 and more powerful HB-B

The first one is a wonderful universal helper. Designed to test batteriesthe voltage of which is 12 V and 24 V. The capacitive range of the device is from 15 to 240 Ah. Also, with the help of HB-04, individual elements with a voltage of up to 2 Volts are checked.

This plug is good because it not only very accurately checks the charge level, as well as the he alth of the battery, but also allows you to assess the he alth of individual elements, which is often very necessary. In addition, the measurement time with the connected resistor is nine seconds. This is twice as much as other models. This is a universal device with which you can perform any tests of any battery.

The NV-B plug was made for testing individual battery cells with a voltage of 1, 2 and 2 Volts and a capacity of up to five thousand ampere-hours. This is the most powerful among all the presented models. But the disadvantage is that the device cannot test the battery completely.

Checking battery with plug without load

If even the simplest device is available, then even with its help you can confidently diagnose batteries. If the battery is weak enough, then at least one load resistance must be used to carry out the tests. Larger batteries may require two coils.

Check the battery with a load plug as follows. The voltage level at the battery terminals can be determined without the need for terminating resistors. To obtain correct results, it is necessary that the vehicle has not been used for seven hours before measurements. In the processtesting, the motor must be turned off.

The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal on the device. Load voltages are not recommended. Using the negative pin on the device, check if there is voltage on the negative battery terminal. The received data should be memorized or recorded. Some modern plugs are able to remember the results of measurements.

The reading of the battery test with a load plug indicates open circuit voltage. These data are compared with standard figures. So, the voltmeter readings are in the range from 11.5 to 11.8 Volts, then the battery is discharged. When the voltmeter shows from 11.8 to 12.1 volts, the battery is a quarter charged. Readings from 12.1 V to 12.3 V - the battery is half charged. 100 percent charge - 12.6 to 12.9 volts.

Load test

Here's how to test the battery with a load plug in a different way. It is used when the current state of the battery is unknown. You need to use the method strictly according to the scheme. But there are certain nuances. It is recommended to keep the plug connected to the battery for no more than five seconds.

When performing checks, it is necessary to check the plugs - each of them must be tightly screwed. The best indicator when measuring is 9 volts or more. This means that the car's battery is in excellent condition. At lower rates, you can try to charge the battery, carry out recovery procedures. Then we check the battery again with a load plug. Waysmeasurements we have already considered.

Overview of plugs from various manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of these devices in stores. Consider the main devices.

The first in the review will be the device "Autoelectric T-2001". This plug is well known to everyone - both motorists and sellers. The tester used to be considered ideal. However, in order to switch to the measurement mode under load, it was necessary to drown the sting, which closed the contact. The contact on the spiral burned out and the device failed.

Then came the model “Autoelectric T-2001 mini”. In this fork, the manufacturer has fully taken into account all the disadvantages and there are practically no shortcomings. The only negative - during the assembly process, you need to clean the place where the handle is installed - it should not conduct current and may cause incorrect operation of the meter.

"Orion NV-01" is the most primitive voltmeter. In appearance, this is a small crooked box with a handle. It seems that the device is assembled from a tin can. The device does not inspire confidence at all. Orion NV-02 is already a more advanced product. Here is a digital voltmeter, two spirals - each 100 A. The device can be classified as professional. The downside is that the device does not store measurements in memory. "Orion NV-4" - modified model 03 for trucks. It practically does not differ from version 03 - you can not overpay.

There are also products under the Yermak brand on the market. It is not recommended to buy it, as it isproducts of imported Chinese manufacturer. Of the benefits - only the appearance. As for technical capabilities, this is nothing more than a toy. Instructions on how to use the load fork correctly are included, but the quality is also poor.

Can I make this device myself?

Today there are different instructions on how to make such devices with your own hands in the garage. You should not do this - it is better to purchase a ready-made factory version. The fact is that the current in the battery is very large - homemade plugs can be dangerous. If you need a plug for work, then you can buy something inexpensive, but practical.

If you need to test your own battery once, it is better to take it to the store and ask the seller for a service - they usually agree.

In closing

Here's how to properly use the load fork. It is the right device for auto electricians, battery sellers. The device will find application in the garage. However, the average car enthusiast can do without it.