The battery of the car, which has a low charge, will deliver considerable troubles to its owner. The battery may fail and will have to be restored for a long time. To avoid this unpleasant situation, it is necessary to service the battery regularly. Using a load fork, analyze the main characteristics and assess the level of battery performance. To properly use this device, you need to find out how it works and how it works. This is what we will analyze today.
The device 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-loop mode EMF. Technically, a load plug is nothing more than a voltmeter equipped with load resistors and probes for connecting to the battery terminals of a car. It looks like a small metal case with wires. Clips are connected to the wires.
Device functionality
Using 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 level of output voltage from the vehicle’s generator, but this is not possible on all models. Using this plug, the current battery level in the car is also measured. You can determine how long the battery is able to store a reserve of charge, find out the battery life. Checks for short circuits between lead plates in the battery are still available. Using this fork, the degree of sulfation of the plates, as well as other parameters, is also evaluated.
Popular models
Most often in stores you can find models VN-1 and NV-01. These devices were developed and then manufactured for testing automotive and any other batteries whose voltage and capacity were 12 Volts and 190 Ah respectively.
Among the features and technical characteristics of the VN-1 device, it is especially important to single out. The temperature range in which this plug shows accurate results is from 0 to 35 degrees. The device is equipped with a voltmeter capable of taking measurements from 0 to 15 Volts. The resistance of the resistor is 0.1 ohms. The device has the ability to take measurements in two modes - this is a short-term and repeated measurement mode.
The loading fork for the VN-1 battery has almost gone out of use by a modern motorist. Instead, they use the modern, new and accurate model HB-01. The plug features 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 operates confidently in a wide temperature range. The resistance of the load coil resistor is 0.1 ohms.
The HB-02 model is used to test batteries with capacitive characteristics from 15 to 240 Ah. In this case, you can only operate the plug with a voltage of 12 V. The device differs from its analogues in high measurement accuracy - 2.5%. The standard load for equipment of this class is from 100 to 200 Amps. 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 voltmeter arrow type. The more modern NV-03 device has a digital voltmeter. Indications are displayed on the liquid crystal display.
The accuracy of the HB-03 is significantly higher than other similar devices - it is 0.5 percent. The measuring range of the voltmeter is from 0 to 16 volts. The operating modes are conveniently switched by buttons.
Universal HB-04 plug and more powerful HB-B
The first is a wonderful universal assistant. It is intended for testing rechargeable batteries with a voltage of 12 V and 24 V. The capacitive range of the device is from 15 to 240 Ah. Also, using HB-04, individual elements with a voltage of up to 2 Volts are checked.
This plug is good in that it not only very accurately checks the level of charge, as well as the health of the battery, but also allows you to evaluate the health of individual elements, which is often very necessary. In addition, the measurement time with the resistor connected is nine seconds. This is two times more than 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 can not fully test the battery.
Check battery with plug without load
If even the simplest device is available, then even with its help you can confidently engage in battery diagnostics. If the battery is weak enough, then for testing it is necessary to use at least one load resistance. For more powerful batteries, two coils may be required.
Check the battery with a load fork as follows. The voltage level at the battery terminals can be determined without the need for load resistors. To get the correct results, it is necessary that before measurements the car should not be used for seven hours. During testing, the motor must be turned off.
The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal on the device. It is not recommended to apply load stresses. Using the negative pin on the device, check if there is voltage on the negative terminal of the battery. The data obtained should be remembered or recorded. Some modern forks can remember the results of measurements.
A battery test with a load plug indicates open circuit voltage. These data are compared with regulatory figures. So, the voltmeter readings are in the range from 11.5 to 11.8 volts, then the battery is low. When the voltmeter reads from 11.8 to 12.1 volts, the battery is charged a quarter. Indications from 12.1 V to 12.3 V - the battery is half charged. 100% charge - from 12.6 to 12.9 volts.
Load test
Here's how to check the battery with a load fork in another way. It is used when the current state of the battery is unknown. You must 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 twisted. The best indicator when measuring is 9 Volts or more. This states that the battery of the vehicle is in excellent condition. At lower rates, you can try to charge the battery, conduct recovery procedures. Then we check the battery again with a load fork. We have already considered the measurement methods.
Overview of forks from various manufacturers
There are several manufacturers of these devices in stores. Let's consider the main devices.
The first in the review will be the device "Autoelectrics T-2001". This fork is familiar to everyone - both motorists and sellers. The tester was previously considered ideal. However, in order to switch to the measurement mode under load, it was necessary to drown the sting that closed the contact. The contact on the spiral burned and the device failed.
Then came the model “Auto electrician T-2001 mini”. In this fork, the manufacturer completely took 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 the meter to work incorrectly.
"Orion HB-01" is the most primitive voltmeter. In appearance it is a small curved box with a handle. It seems that the appliance is assembled from a can. The device does not inspire confidence at all. “Orion HB-02” is a more advanced product. There is a digital voltmeter, two spirals - each of 100 A. The device can be classified as professional. The downside is that the device does not remember the measurements in memory. “Orion NV-4” - a modified model 03 for trucks. It practically does not differ from version 03 - you can not overpay.
The market also has products under the brand name "Ermak". They do not recommend buying it, as these are products of an 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 its quality is also low.
Can I make this device with my own hands?
Today there are different instructions on how to make such devices with your own hands in the garage. Do 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 the plug is necessary for work, then you can buy something inexpensive, but practical.
If you need to test your own battery once, then it is better to take it to the store and ask the seller about the service - they usually agree.
Finally
Here's how to use the load fork. This is the right device for car electricians, battery sellers. The device will find application in the garage. However, an ordinary motorist can well do without it.