The load fork for the battery is a special device with which you can check the health of the car battery. The most primitive devices of this type consist of a voltmeter and load resistance. Slightly more complex devices also have an ammeter in their design. In addition, the load plug for the battery can measure not only the battery, but the entire electrical circuit of the vehicle.
Device
The load plug, which measures the voltage level in the battery, consists of a housing that is located on the handle. It includes a voltmeter and several resistances, which are called load spirals. A thick wire is connected to the "plus" of the voltmeter, on the reverse side there is a clip used to connect the device to the battery terminals of the car. The "minus" is connected to a metal pin, which is located on the back of the case. There are also 2 fastening nuts. They are designed to connect load spirals with a current strength of 100 amperes each.
It is worth noting that the load plug for the battery can be suitable not only for standard 12-volt batteries. Most modern devices do an excellent job with small-capacity devices (here, as a rule, only one spiral is used) and high (both spirals are used).
How to use it?
Checking the battery with the load fork takes place in 2 stages. First, the device must measure the voltage without connecting the load resistances. In this case, the clamp is connected to both terminals of the battery. Experts recommend taking measurements after the battery no longer supplies current from the charger for at least 6-7 hours. If the battery did not charge, before measurements it is necessary to wait the same amount of time after the car has stopped working (that is, wait a little so that it is in a muffled state).
Next, the load plug for the battery is connected to the “+” terminal on the battery terminal and, using a pin with a negative charge, the device touches the “-” terminal. Now the arrow displays on the scale. Everything, the first stage is completed. If the device shows a charge of 100%, you can safely proceed to the next step. To do this, you need to do all the same work as the first time, and in addition you need to connect the necessary load of the device. And one more nuance - the readings from the plug are taken only after the device has stayed in this state for at least 5 seconds. At the time of measurement, the pin may become very hot, so immediately after work, do not touch it with your hands. At the second stage, the arrow of the voltmeter should show a value of more than 9.0 V. If so, your battery is in good working condition.
How much does a load plug for a battery cost?
The price of this device ranges from 2 to 4 thousand rubles, depending on the type and manufacturer.