Battery conductance test

A battery conductance test is a process of checking the capacity and accurately determining its current state. Conductivity testers measure battery capacity.

Before testing, check whether the battery is suitable according to the specification for the given vehicle. Look for information in the manual about the required characteristics of the battery for the given vehicle. Using a battery with too low a capacity will overload the battery itself and the starting system. Using a battery with a larger capacity is heavier and puts more strain on the carrier. Also, it puts more stress on the charging system. Therefore, always check whether the correct battery is used for the given vehicle.

After verifying the battery, proceed to test. Electronic testers have replaced the need for a hydrometer and other invasive types of battery testing. Many manufacturers now require the use of a conductivity test instead of a load test to be considered for warranty coverage. Almost all conductivity testers have an integrated printer, and test printouts can follow the warranty

A conductance tester sends low-frequency signals into the battery to determine its ability to conduct current. A higher capacity battery has a higher current carrying capacity. As the battery deteriorates over time, its capacity also decreases. The tester can measure the battery’s capacity by measuring its conductivity, which allows for an almost linear comparison of these two parameters. Dirty battery terminals can affect conductivity and measurement accuracy. It may therefore be necessary to clean the terminals and poles before testing.

Since the conductance test only takes a minute or two, it’s an opportunity to show customers the health of their battery. During each regular vehicle inspection, the client can see how the condition of the battery deteriorates over time. Once the conductivity test shows that the battery is bad, the customer will have confidence that the battery is at the end of its useful life and must be replaced.

To perform a battery conductance test, follow these steps:

Preparation for measurement

If necessary, clean the terminals and poles of the battery from corrosion. If feasible, check the electrolyte level in the cells. If necessary, before testing, top up the cells and connect the battery to the charger.

Conductance test

Connect the red clip to the plus and the black to the minus pole of the battery. Set the type and type of tested battery on the tester. Start testing. At the end of the test, print the measurement results.

Results analysis

Based on the test results, determine the condition, that is, the current capacity of the battery.