NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the AFDPO WWW site at: http://afpubs.hq.af.mil. I
you lack access, contact your Publishing Distribution Office (PDO).
BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 32-1186
1 AUGUST 1999
Certified Current 28 April 2014
Civil Engineering
VALVE-REGULATED LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
FOR STATIONARY APPLICATIONS
OPR: HQ AFCESA/CESM
(Mr. Raymond N. Hansen)
Certified by: HQ AFCESA/CC
(Col H. Dean Bartel)
Pages: 72
Distribution: F
This pamphlet implements AFPD 32-10, Installations and Facilities. It prescribes criteria for the applica-
tion, selection, installation, and maintenance for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries on Air Force
installations. Refer to AFJMAN 32-1280(I), Facilities Engineering, Electrical Exterior Facilities, and to
AFJMAN 32-1281(I), Facilities Engineering, Electrical Interior Facilities, for general storage battery
criteria. Users should send comments and suggested improvements on AF Form 847, Recommendation
for Change of Publication, through major commands (MAJCOM) and HQ AFCESA/CESM, 139 Barnes
Dr, Tyndall AFB FL 32403-5319 to HQ USAF/ILEO, 1260 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC
20330-1260.
Chapter 1— PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY 4
1.1. Purpose ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Need for Special Maintenance Procedures ................................................................ 4
1.3. Material Covered ....................................................................................................... 4
1.4. Applicability .............................................................................................................. 4
Chapter 2— LEAD-ACID BATTERY FUNDAMENTALS 5
2.1. Electrochemical Process ............................................................................................ 5
2.2. Lead-Acid Battery Construction ................................................................................ 6
Figure 2.1. Typical Positive and Negative Grids ......................................................................... 8
Figure 2.2. Typical Positive and Negative Pasted Flat Plate ....................................................... 10
Figure 2.3. Plate Assembly in Cell ............................................................................................... 12
2.3. Electrical Characteristics ........................................................................................ 14
Figure 2.4. Typical Cell Voltage Profile During Constant Current Discharge ............................ 15
