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060/bw-97

Texas Specification No. 060-BW-97
Effective Date: April 1, 1997
Date of Last Revision: October 16, 1998
SPECIFICATION for BATTERIES, STORAGE, WET
1. SCOPE: This specification includes the minimum requirements for lead-acid type wet storage batteries for vehicular starting, lighting, and ignition service.

2. APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS: Reference to specifications, standards, test methods, and other documents shall be to the issues in effect on the date of the Invitation for Bids. Copies of the referenced documents may be obtained from the issuing organizations at the addresses shown. The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein:

2.1. BATTERY COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL (BCI), 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60601:
2.1.1. Storage Battery Technical Service Manual, Current Edition.

2.1.2. Battery Replacement Data Book, Current Edition.

2.1.3. The Storage Battery Manufacturing Industry Manual, Current Edition.

2.2. SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS, INC. (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096:
2.2.1. SAE J240 -- Life Test for Automotive Storage Batteries, SAE Recommended Practice.

2.2.2. SAE J537 -- Storage Batteries.

2.2.3. SAE J930 -- Storage Batteries for Construction and Industrial Machinery.

3. DEFINITIONS:
3.1. General Definitions: Terminology used in this specification is intend to be generic in nature and consistent with meanings that have been defined through general use, industry standards, and accepted trade practices. Where variant meanings may exist, the applicable interpretation shall be determined by the General Services Commission.

3.2. Specific Definitions: The following definitions are incorporated herein and apply to terminology used in this specification.

3.2.1. Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the surrounding medium usually referred to as room or air temperature.

3.2.2. Ampere-Hour (Amp-Hr): A unit of measure of battery capacity obtained by multiplying the current flow in amperes by the time of discharge in hours.

3.2.3. Ampere-Hour Capacity: The maximum number of ampere-hours which a fully charged cell or battery can deliver under specified conditions of rate of discharge, temperature, and final voltage.

3.2.4. Ampere-Hour Efficiency: The electrochemical efficiency of a battery expressed as the ratio of the ampere-hours discharged (output) to the ampere-hours required to fully recharge the battery (input). It is usually expressed as a percentage and is always less than 100%.

3.2.5. Battery: Any two (2) or more electrical units connected so that they behave as a single source of supply of electricity. Common usage also permits this term to be applied to a single cell.

3.2.6. Cell: A device for transforming chemical energy into electrical energy.

3.2.7. Charge Rate Acceptance: The ability of a new, previously untested, wet (or activated dry-charged) battery to accept charge under conditions existing in the voltage-regulated electrical system of a vehicle at 30 °F (-1.1 °C) with the battery in a partially discharged condition.

3.2.8. Charging Rate: The charging current expressed in amperes.

3.2.9. Cold Cranking Rating: The number of amperes a battery at 0 °F (-17.8 °C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a voltage of 1.2 volts per cell or more.

3.2.10. Commission: The General Services Commission.

3.2.11. Container: The outside case or shell of the battery which is designed to resist the absorption of the acid electrolyte, to withstand the extremes of temperature, and to resist damage caused by mechanical shock.

3.2.12. Discharging: The conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy within a cell or battery as it delivers electrical power.

3.2.13. Dry Storage Battery: As used in this specification, a dry storage battery is a battery which is delivered with no electrolyte (dry-charged) or almost no electrolyte (charged and moist). These types of batteries must be filled with electrolyte (and should be fully charged) prior to initial use.

3.2.14. Electrolyte: Any substance which disassociates into two (2) or more ions when dissolved in water. A solution of electrolyte conducts electricity and is decomposed by it. In the battery industry the word "electrolyte" means a diluted solution of sulfuric acid.

3.2.15. Fully Charged: The state of charge of a cell or battery when it is at its maximum ability to deliver current.

3.2.16. Hydrometer: An instrument used to determine the state of charge of a battery by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte (i.e., the amount of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte).

3.2.17. Low Water Loss Battery:: A battery which does not require the periodic addition of water under normal service conditions (also called a "low maintenance" battery).

3.2.18. Maintenance Free Battery: A battery which does not require the periodic addition of water.

3.2.19. Plate: A pasted grid, either formed or unformed.

3.2.20. Reserve Capacity Rating: The number of minutes a new fully charge battery at 80 °F (26.7 °C) can be discharged at a rate of 25 amperes and maintain a minimum voltage of 1.75 volts per cell. This rating represents the time the battery will continue to operate essential accessories during night driving if the alternator or generator fails.

3.2.21. Sealing: The sealing of the cover-to-jar and cover-to-post interfaces or the sealing of a dry storage battery to reduce the rate of accumulation of air and/or moisture in the cells which will damage the plates.

3.2.22. Sealing Compound: An asphalt, pitch-like material used as a cover-to-jar battery sealant.

3.2.23. Separator: A highly porous sheet, usually of rubber or plastic, used to prevent metallic conduction between plates of opposite polarity within a cell, without significantly interfering with the Ionic movement of the conductive electrolyte.

3.2.24. Specific Gravity: The weight of a substance compared to the weight of the same volume of water at a specified temperature (e.g., a measure of the concentration of sulfuric acid electrolyte in a cell or battery).

3.2.25. State of Charge: The amount of electrical power stored in a battery at a given time which can be specified as the percentage of the rated capacity the battery can deliver. It is determined by either measuring the concentration of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte (specified gravity) at the time of testing or by measuring the stabilized open circuit voltage.

3.2.26. Sulfuric Acid: the principal acid compound of sulfur used in the electrolyte in lead acid batteries. Its chemical formula is H2SO4.

3.2.27. Voltage Range: The difference between the maximum and minimum cell voltages that exist within a battery or string of cells when all of the cells are fully charged (maximum) or fully discharged (minimum).

3.2.28. Wet Storage Battery: A battery filled with electrolyte ready to deliver current.

4. REQUIREMENTS: Batteries furnished under this specification shall meet or exceed each and every one of the following requirements. Components not specifically mentioned, which are required, shall be furnished with each battery. No rebuilt or re-conditioned batteries will be acceptable. All materials used in the construction of these batteries shall conform to the standards of the best commercial practice:
4.1. General Requirements: Each battery furnished under this specification shall conform to the following general requirements:
4.1.1. Cell Connectors: The type and design shall be as recommended for the battery design in accordance with the best commercial practice.

4.1.2. Date Code: The manufacturers shall stamp a date code into the cover or container so that actual age of the battery can be determined. Also, a label shall be attached so that the month and year of purchase can be shown.

4.1.3. Dimensions: All batteries shall be sized in accordance with group numbers as established by the Battery Council International. The group number shall be specified in the Invitation for Bids.

4.1.4. Separators: The dimensions of the separators shall be in accordance with the battery design and shall ensure separation of the positive and negative plates and constructed of material and assembled using the highest standards of battery manufacture.

4.1.5. Shelf Life: Wet storage batteries designed for automotive use shall have a minimum shelf life of six (6) months at 75 °F storage temperature. Batteries designed for non-automotive use shall have a minimum shelf life of three (3) months at 75 °F storage temperature. Each type of battery shall contain at least 50% of its capacity and shall be capable of being restored to full charge at the end of the applicable storage period.

4.1.6. Voltage: Battery voltage shall be as specified in the Invitation for Bids and shall conform to Table No. One of this specification.

4.2. Specific Requirements: Batteries shall meet the following performance requirements:
4.2.1. Charge Rate Acceptance: The charge rate of wet storage batteries shall be a minimum of 2% of the cold cranking performance rating available of 0 °F when tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.1.

4.2.2. Cold Cranking Performance: The cold cranking performance of each battery shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified in Table No. One, when tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.2. The terminal voltage for diesel batteries at 90 seconds shall be 1.0 volts per cell or greater. The terminal voltage for other batteries at 30 seconds shall be 1.2 volts per cell or greater.

4.2.3. Electric Vehicle Performance: When tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.3., batteries for electric vehicles (except golf carts) shall be capable of maintaining a constant discharge rate equal to or greater than that specified in Table No. One at a temperature of 80 ± 5 °F (26.7 2 °C) to a terminal voltage of 1.75 volts per cell in a time equal to or greater than that specified for the battery type. Six-volt golf cart batteries shall be capable of maintaining a discharge of 75 ± 1 amperes under the above conditions at a terminal voltage of 5.25 volts or more for a period of time equal to or greater than that specified for the battery type in Table No. One. Twelve-volt batteries shall be capable of maintaining a discharge of 25 ± 1 amperes at a voltage of 10.5 volts or more under the same conditions.

4.2.4. Hot and Cold Cycling Performance: The batteries shall pass a minimum of ten (10) hot and cold cycles when tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.4. There shall be no evidence of apparent cohesive cracks in the seal binding the cover over each cell at the completion of this test.

4.2.5. Reserve Capacity: The reserve capacity of each battery specified in Table No. One, are approximate. Reserve capacity shall be within plus or minus ten percent ( ±10%) when tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.5.

4.2.6. Vibration Performance:; Batteries shall maintain a steady voltage and current, and there shall be no internal damage and no adhesions or cohesion failure under vibration conditions, when tested in accordance with Paragraph 5.6.

4.3. Labeling Requirements: Each battery container shall display the following information (See Paragraph 4.1.2., also).
4.3.1. Battery Rating: All batteries must be labeled with the following information: BCI Group Number; manufacturer's stock number; cold cranking amps; reserve capacity; and battery type (for example: heavy duty, deep cycle, etc.).

This information shall be stamped or molded in the case or on a nameplate permanently attached to the top of the battery and quickly identified in the manufacturer's catalog.

4.3.2. Shipping/Service Date: An acid-resistant plate or tag with provisions for recording the factory shipping date and the date each battery is placed in service shall be permanently attached to each battery case.

4.3.3. Hazardous Warning: The hazardous warning label shall also be attached to or molded into the case.

5. TESTING: Unless otherwise specified in the Invitation for Bids, testing of batteries shall be in accordance with the latest revision of BCI -- Storage Battery Technical Service Manual and/or Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. tests listed below. All test shall be conducted on new, fully charge batteries unless otherwise specified in the test procedure used. However, the State of Texas reserves the right to waive any portion or portions of the tests. The successful bidder shall furnish, at no charge to the State, complete facilities and equipment and the services of qualified personnel to assist an authorized Inspector for the State of Texas in the performance of said tests. Test shall be conducted at the manufacturer's plant or place of manufacture. Frequency of test shall be at the option of the Commission. The authorized Inspector shall have access to the manufacturer's plant or place of testing during all normal working hours for the purpose of observing and inspecting manufacturing practices and testing procedures during the contract period. Samples for use in conducting the test shall be selected and furnished by the State of Texas. In the event the batteries do not meet the specified tests, their cost shall be borne by the manufacturer:
5.1. Charge Rate Acceptance: This test is to reveal the ability of a new, previously untested wet storage battery (or activated dry storage battery), in a partially discharged condition, to accept a charge under conditions existing in the voltage-regulated electrical system of a vehicle at a temperature of 30 °F (-1.1 °C).
5.1.1. Condition the battery in accordance with the method given in SAE J537. with the battery electrolyte at an initial temperature of 80 ± 10 °F, discharge the battery at 25 ± 0.25 amperes for a period of time in minutes equal to 80% of the rated reserve capacity listed in Table No. One.

5.1.2. Place immediately in a cold box until the electrolyte in a center cell reaches 30 ± 2 °F. with the battery at this ambient temperature, charge at a constant potential of 2.4 volts per cell and record the charging rate in amperes at ten (10) minutes. This rate shall be taken as the charge rate acceptable value.

5.1.3. Compare with the minimum requirement in Paragraph 4.2.1.

5.2. Cold Cranking Performance: This test is a measure of the cranking ability of a battery at the rating temperature:
5.2.1. Condition the battery in accordance with the method given in SAE J537 and place the battery in an air ambient held at the rating temperature of 0 ± 2 °F (-17.8 ± 0.6 °C) until the temperature of the center cell reaches the rating temperature of 0 ± 1 °F (17.8 ± 0.6 °C).

5.2.2. With the battery in the in the ambient air at the rating temperature, discharge the battery at the cold cranking rating current shown Table No. One. the rating current shall be held constant within ± 1% throughout the discharge. Measure the battery terminal voltage under load at the end of 30 seconds (except for diesel batteries, measure the voltage at 90 seconds). The terminal voltage for diesel batteries at 90 seconds shall be 1.0 volts per cell or greater. The terminal voltage for other batteries at 30 seconds shall be 1.2 volts per cell or greater.

5.2.3. Determine compliance with Paragraph 4.2.2. and Table No. One.

5.3. Electric Vehicle Battery Test: This test is designed to determine the ability of a battery used in the "deep cycle" service to supply power to electric vehicles (See Battery Service Manual):
5.3.1. Batteries used in electric-powered vehicles shall be fully charged prior to testing. The full charge electrolyte specific gravity of the batteries used in these tests shall be as specified by the battery manufacturer. With the electrolyte temperature at 80 ± 5 °F, discharge the battery at the constant rate specified for the type battery being tested to a terminal voltage equal to 1.75 volts per cell for batteries other than golf cart batteries. Golf cart batteries shall be tested as above except 6-volt batteries shall be discharged at a rate of 75 ± 1 amperes and 12-volt batteries shall be discharged at 25 ± 1 amperes. Measure the time in minutes required for each of these batteries to reach this terminal voltage. These discharge times are the battery capacities.

5.3.2. Determine compliance with Paragraph 4.2.3.

5.4. Hot and Cold Cycle Test: This test is designed to determine the integrity of the battery seal binding the cover over each cell to the battery container.
5.4.1. the battery shall be subjection to ten (10) cycles of 16 hours at 0 ± 1 °F and 8 hours at 70 ° to 90 °F. At the third, sixth, and tenth cycle, air pressure of one (1) pound per square inch shall be applied to each cell individually, immediately after removing from the cold chamber. This pressure shall be maintained for 15 seconds.

5.4.2. Determine compliance with Paragraph 4.2.4.

5.5. Reserve Capacity Test: This test is designed to determine the reserve capacity of a battery in providing adequate electrical power to a vehicle for a minimum period of time should the alternator or generator malfunction:
5.5.1. Condition the battery in accordance with the method given in SAE J537 and discharge the fully charge battery at a temperature of 80 ± 5 °F and at a discharge rate of 25 ± 0.25 amperes to a terminal voltage equal to 1.75 volts per cell. Measure the time required for the battery to reach the cell terminal voltage. The temperature of the battery electrolyte shall be maintained at end of discharge at 80 ± 1 °F; or the results shall be corrected to 80 °F (26.7 °C) by applying the following correction factor:

Mc = Mr [ 1-.01 (Tf-80)], where,

Mc = Corrected Minutes

Mr = Minutes Run

Tf = Temperature, °F, at end of discharge

.01 = Temperature Correction Factor

5.5.2. Determine compliance with Paragraph 4.2.5. and Table No. One.

5.6. Vibration Test: This test is designed to determine the ability of a battery to withstand vibration forces without incurring any mechanical damage, loss of capacity or electrolyte, or without developing internal or external leaks. The following procedure shall be used (See SAE J537).
5.6.1. Select a battery which is fully charged and has the electrolyte at the manufacturer's recommended level. Subject the battery for two (2) hours to a vibration consisting of harmonic motion having a frequency of 30 to 35 Hertz (cycles per second) through a amplitude of 0.045" to 0.050", total excursion 0.90" to 0.100". At the start of the vibration test, the battery temperature shall be 80 ± 0 °F and it shall be discharged at approximately 1% of the cold cranking test rate rounded to the nearest whole number during the vibration test. The battery shall maintain a steady voltage and current during the test. At the end of the test, inspect the battery for adhesion or cohesion failures and for any loss of electrolyte or internal damage.

5.6.2. Determine compliance with Paragraph 4.2.6.

6. WARRANTY: The basis for adjustment shall be as established by this specification or the contract Invitation for Bids and all adjustments shall be made F.O.B. destination.

7. SAMPLES: Unless otherwise specified in the Invitation for Bids, no prepurchase samples will be required. Testing shall be performed on samples taken from material supplied on regular orders.

8. INSPECTION: Inspection shall be done by or at the discretion of the Commission either at the destination or at the place of manufacture.

9. PACKING and/or PACKAGING: Packing for shipment shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's standard practice and in a manner readily acceptable by common carriers engaged in interstate commerce. Within the shipping carton, units shall be packed in a manner designed to minimize damage during shipment due to rough or improper handling.

10. MARKING: Each shipping container shall be clearly marked with the following information:

10.1. Name of contents.

10.2. Quantity contained.

10.3. Order number or contract number.

10.4. Name and address of ordering agency.

10.5. Agency requisition number.

10.6. Name and address of the manufacturer.

11. AVAILABILITY OF BATTERIES AND SERVICE: An adequate supply of batteries shall be carried in stock within the State of Texas. Bidder shall include with each bid a list of companies or individuals, and their addresses, who stock batteries and who can perform service on the products furnished. Ability to deliver batteries to any State agency as needed shall be a factor in determining an award.

12. SUBMITTAL OF LITERATURE: The successful bidder shall furnish sufficient copies of the following literature:

12.1. Replacement Data Book: An up-to-date battery replacement data book showing the proper replacement battery for major American-made passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles shall be furnished to each ordering agency.

12.2. Specification Charts: A manufacturer's specification chart listing the BCI group number, manufacturer's type number, cold cranking performance rating, and reserve capacity rating shall be furnished to each ordering agency.

13. COMPLIANCE: In order for consideration to be given to a bid for a product ordered under this specification, the bidder must comply with the following:
13.1. The make, model number, name of manufacturer, brand name or trade name, etc., as applicable, of the item proposed to be furnished must be stated as a part of the bid.

13.2. Notwithstanding the above, any exception taken by the bidder to the requirements and conditions of this specification must be stated explicitly and described in detail as a part of the bid. If no exception or deviations are identified in this manner, the item must be furnished exactly as described herein.

13.3. The bidder shall bear the burden of proof of compliance with this specification.

14. ORDERING DATA: When ordering products conforming to this specification, the requisitioning agency must specify the following:
14.1. The number of this specification (060-BW-94).

14.2. The BCI group number and the voltage of battery desired (See Table No. One.).

14.3. The quantity required.

15. AVAILABILITY OF SPECIFICATIONS: Copies of this specification may be obtained by writing or calling:

Bid Services

Texas Procurement and Support Services

P. O. Box 13186

Austin, TX 78711-3047

(512) 463-3416

TABLE No. ONE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
BCI Group Number Volts Adjusted Warranty Period Months Cold Cranking Performance Amperes @ 0 °F Reserve Capacity Minutes @ 80 °F AC Delco Douglas Battery Enpack GNB Inc. Motorcraft Exide
1 6 36 490 145 413 A 1-325 1585KK 1G585 BH-1 COM1-H
2 6 36 545 160 417 A 2-625 2575KK 2G585 BH-2 COM-2
22F 12 36 330 56 22F-50 22F-50 26R450BT 26RSMF-4 -- 22F-50
24 12 36 370 69 2440 24-4000 24450BT 24GMF-45 BR-24 24-50
24F 12 36 370 69 24F-40 24F-5000 24F450BT 24FGMF4S BR-24F 24F-50
27 12 36 470 100 27-60 27-6000 27585BT 27GMFS BX-27 27-50
27F 12 36 470 87 27F-50 27F-6000 27F585BT 27FGMF4 BX-27F 27F-50
70 12 36 340 60 70-40S 70-6000 70450BT 70GMF4 13A-70 70-50
74 12 36 400 80 74-50 74-5000 74550RT 74GMF5 BR-74 74-50
3EH 6 24 750 270 FD2 3EH 3EH 3EHG850 BH-3EH F-3EH
4 6 24 700 250 717 A 4-3 4760KK 4675U BH-4 T-4H
5D 6 24 820 310 725 A 5-D 5D850 5DG830 -- COM 5D
4D 12 24 750 278 -- 4D-2 4D900KK 4GD900 BHA-4D COM 4D
8D 12 24 1000 425 771 A 8D-3 8D1150KK 8DG1150 -- COM 8D
30H 12 24 400 147 775 A 30H-2 30H615KK 30HG615 2GH130H F-30H
31 12 24 500 130 1200 31-3T S31625KK PC31625 BH-31A D31-D
2-GC 6 12 75 amps for 90 minutes to 5.25 volts @ 80 °F 845-A GC-110 GC220RT AP220 BH-GC2 GC-3
U-1 12 12 190 30 U1-260W U1L-H GT2355 GTG235L BH-U1 GT-H
U-1R 12 12 190 30 -- U1R-H -- GTG235R -- GT-R
24 12 12 475 90 C24MF CAPTAIN-24 M24650KK SC525 BH-24M-DC 24HD-M
CALCIUM HYBRID BATTERIES REQUIRING NO MAINTENANCE
22F 12 48 370 56 22F-60 22F-5000 26R450BT 26RSMF-4 -- 22F-60
BCI Group Number Volts Adjusted Warranty Period Months Cold Cranking Performance Amperes @ 0 °F Reserve Capacity Minutes @ 80 °F AC Delco Douglas Battery Enpack GNB Inc. Motorcraft Exide
24 12 48 500 85 24-60 24-6000 24550RT 24GMF5 BX-24 24-60
24F 12 48 500 85 24F-60 24F-6000 24F550RT 24FGMF5 BX24-F 24F-60
26 12 48 425 70 26-50S 26-6000 264508T 26GMF5 BR-26 26-60
27 12 48 500 102 27-60 27-6000 27585RT 27GMF5 BX-27 27-60
27F 12 48 500 102 27F-60 27F-6000 27FS85RT 27FGMF5 BX-27F 27F-60
31 12 48 625 150 1110 31-3 A31625KK PC31625 BH-31A COM31-D
55 12 48 370 75 55-60S 55-5000 55560KK 5TGMS5 -- 55-50
58 12 48 380 75 58-50 58-5000 58460KK 58GMF4 BR-58 58-50
62 12 48 480 80 62-60 62-6000 62525KK 62GMF5 BX-62 62-60
64 12 48 535 120 64-60 64-6000 64525KK 64GMF5 BXT-64A 64-60
70 12 48 430 70 70-50S 70-6000 70450BT 70GMF5 BR-70 70-60
74 12 48 485 87 74-60 74-6000 74550RT 74GMF5 BX-74 74-60
78 12 60 730 115 78A-72 -- 78770KK 78GMF5S BXT-78 78-60
HEAVY-DUTY SERVICE (DIESEL OR ANCILLARY LIGHTING)
24 12 24 620 80 -- 24-HP 24650KK CHLTV24 -- --
27 12 24 560 102 27-60 27-7000 27585 CHLTV27 BH-24A --
4D 12 24 930 300 -- 4D-3 -- -- -- --
BCI recommends 440 minutes reserve capacity.
Marine starting battery.
Permanently sealed batteries without an
Required Plug-ins