Alpha Underground Battery Vaults Installation guide

Brand: Alpha

Model: Underground Battery Vaults

Type: Installation guide

Alpha Technologies

Site Preparation and Installation

Effective: August 2015

Underground Battery Vault

Power

Alpha Technologies

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Underground Battery Vault

Site Preparation and Installation

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Effective Date: August 2015

Alpha Technologies, Inc.

Contacting Alpha Technologies: www.alpha.com

For general product information and customer service (7 AM to 5 PM, Pacic Time), call

1-800-863-3930

For complete technical support, call

1-800-863-3364

7 AM to 5 PM, Pacic Time and24/7 emergency support

member of The Group

Photographs contained in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. These photographs may not match

your installation.

NOTE:

Operator is cautioned to review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If

there are questions regarding the safe operation of this powering system, please contact Alpha Technologies

or your nearest Alpha representative.

NOTE:

Alpha shall not be held liable for any damage or injury involving its enclosures, power supplies, generators,

batteries, or other hardware if used or operated in any manner or subject to any condition not consistent with

its intended purpose, or is installed or operated in an unapproved manner, or improperly maintained.

NOTE:

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Contents

Safety Notes .......................................................................................................................... 5

Battery Safety Notes.............................................................................................................. 6

Mechanical Safety ................................................................................................................. 6

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 8

1.1 Underground Battery Vault ....................................................................................................... 8

2. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Site Prep and Installation .......................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Battery Placement .................................................................................................................. 10

2.3 Battery Connection ................................................................................................................. 12

2.4 Battery Covers ........................................................................................................................ 18

2.4.1 Installing the Battery covers ............................................................................................. 19

2.5 Temperature Sensor ............................................................................................................... 21

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1-1 Underground Battery Vault ................................................................................................. 8

Fig. 2-1 Typical site for UBV ............................................................................................................ 9

Fig. 2-2 Single 36Vdc Battery String ............................................................................................. 10

Fig. 2-3 Dual 36Vdc Battery String ................................................................................................ 10

Fig. 2-4 Single 48Vdc Battery String ..............................................................................................11

Fig. 2-5 Dual 48Vdc Battery String ................................................................................................. 11

Fig. 2-6 Terminal Connection with Battery Sense Wiring .............................................................. 12

Fig. 2-7 AG-CMT-3SC Wiring for Single 36V Battery String ......................................................... 14

Fig. 2-8 AG-CMT-3SC Wiring for Dual 36V Battery String ............................................................ 15

Fig. 2-9 AG-CMT-4SC Wiring for Single 48V Battery String ......................................................... 16

Fig 2-10 AG-CMT-4SC Wiring for Dual 48V Battery String ............................................................ 17

Fig. 2-11 165 GXL Battery Cover .................................................................................................... 18

Fig. 2-12 180 GXL Battery Cover .................................................................................................... 18

Fig. 2-13 165 AGM Battery with Cover in place .............................................................................. 20

Fig. 2-14 180 GXL Battery with cover in place ................................................................................ 20

Fig. 2-15 Location of Temperature Probe on Battery ...................................................................... 21

Fig. 2-16 Temp Probe Connector .................................................................................................... 21

Table 1 Available Options ............................................................................................................... 8

Table 2 Part Numbers, Charge Management Technology-related items ...................................... 13

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Chemical Hazards

To avoid injury:

• Servicing and connection of batteries shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, personnel

knowledgeable of batteries and the required safety precautions.

• Always wear eye protection, rubber gloves, and a protective vest when working near batteries. To avoid

battery contact, remove all metallic objects, (such as rings or watches), from your person.

• Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep all open ames and sparks away from batteries.

• Use tools with insulated handles. Do not rest any tools on top of batteries.

• Batteries contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects

or other reproductive harm. Battery post terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds. Wash hands after handling (California Proposition 65).

• If any battery emission contacts the skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with water. Follow your

company’s approved chemical exposure procedures.

• Neutralize any spilled battery emission with the special solution contained in an approved spill kit or with

a solution of one pound bicarbonate of soda to one gallon of water. Report a chemical spill using your

company’s spill reporting structure and seek medical attention if necessary.

• Always replace batteries with those of an identical type and rating. Never install old or untested batteries.

• Prior to handling the batteries, touch a grounded metal object to dissipate any static charge that may have

developed on your body.

• Use special caution when connecting or adjusting battery cabling. An improperly or unconnected battery

cable can make contact with an unintended surface that can result in arcing, re, or a possible explosion.

• A battery showing signs of cracking, leaking, or swelling should be replaced immediately by authorized

personnel using a battery of identical type and rating.

WARNING!

Safety Notes

Review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If there are any questions

regarding the safe installation or operation of the system, contact Alpha Technologies or the nearest Alpha

representative. Save this document for future reference.

To reduce the risk of injury or death, and to ensure the continued safe operation of this product, the following

symbols have been placed throughout this manual. Where these symbols appear, use extra care and

attention.

Any gelled or liquid emissions from a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery contains dilute sulfuric acid,

which is harmful to the skin and eyes. Emissions are electrolytic and are electrically conductive and corrosive.

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Mechanical Safety

• Power supplies can reach extreme temperatures under load.

• Use caution around sheet metal components, especially sharp edges.

• Depending on the model, batteries can weigh anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds. Exercise care when

handling and moving batteries. Use proper handling equipment.

Safety Precautions, continued

• Do not allow live battery wires to contact the enclosure chassis. Shorting battery wires can result in a re

or possible explosion.

• Always replace batteries with those of an identical type and rating. Never install old or untested batteries.

• Avoid using uninsulated tools or other conductive materials when handling batteries or working inside the

enclosure.

• Remove all rings, watches and other jewelry before servicing batteries.

• Spent or damaged batteries are environmentally unsafe. Always recycle used batteries. Refer to

local codes for proper disposition of batteries

Battery Safety Notes

• Always refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendation for selecting correct “FLOAT” and “ACCEPT”

charge voltages. Failure to do so can damage the batteries.

• Verify the Power Supply’s battery charger “FLOAT” and “ACCEPT” charger voltage settings.

• Batteries are temperature sensitive. During extremely cold conditions, a battery’s charge acceptance is

reduced and requires a higher charge voltage; during extremely hot conditions, a battery’s charge

acceptance is increased and requires a lower charge voltage. To compensate for changes in temperature,

the battery charger used in the power supply is temperature compensating. Refer to Section 2.5 for

instructions on connecting the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS).

• If the batteries appear to be overcharged or undercharged, rst check for defective batteries and then

verify the correct charger voltage settings.

• To ensure optimum performance, inspect batteries every three to six months for signs of cracking,

leaking, or unusual swelling (note that some swelling is normal).

• Check battery terminals and connecting wires. Clean battery terminal connectors periodically and

retighten to approximately 50 inch-pounds. Spray the terminals with an approved battery terminal

coating such as NCP-2.

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES

THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE INSTALLED ONLY BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

ALWAYS CONSULT LOCAL CODES FOR CONCRETE PAD REQUIREMENTS.

CONSULT LOCAL UTILITY CODES FOR ADDITIONAL CABINET GROUNDING AND UTILITY REQUIREMENTS.

CONSULT THE LOCAL GAS COMPANY FOR CORRECT METER TYPE AND RISER LOCATION.

THE ENCLOSURE SHOULD BE INSTALLED ABOVE FLOOD ZONES WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

THE PAD MUST BE AT LEAST 6” THICK AND CAPABLE OF HOLDING 4,000 LBS (MINIMUM). REBAR SHOULD

BE PLACED IN A CROSSHATCH PATTERN FOR PAD REINFORCEMENT.

IF THE PAD IS TO BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WITH A DEEP FROST LINE OR UNSTABLE SOIL, CONCRETE

PYLON FOOTINGS (4” DIA. X 4’ DEEP, OR 1’ DEEPER THAN THE REGIONAL FROST LINE) SHOULD BE

PLACED BELOW THE CONCRETE PAD, IN FRONT OF AND BELOW THE (6) MOUNTING FEATURES.

THE HEIGHT OF THE PAD MUST BE AT LEAST 4” ABOVE GRADE TO REDUCE THE BUILDUP OF DEBRIS

AROUND THE BASE OF THE CABINET.

ADEQUATE SPACE SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR CABLE TV INPUT / OUTPUT CONDUIT; PLANT GROUNDING

ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR(S); RF CABLE ENTRANCE VIA (1) 4”, (2) 3” OR (3) 2 1/2” RIGID CONDUIT

SWEEP(S) WITH 2’ BEND RADIUS (MINIMUM); AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE ENTRANCE (REFER TO FIBER

MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATION FOR MINIMUM BEND RADIUS REQUIREMENTS).

PRIOR TO POURING CONCRETE, ANY WIRE RUNNING THROUGH THE PAD MUST HAVE A THERMAL

EXPANSION JACKET (I.E., PVC) TO PREVENT CRACKING OF THE CONCRETE DURING LIGHTNING

STRIKES.

ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR BROKEN WELDS OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE

CABINET CAUSED BY IMPROPER INSTALLATION.

CONCRETE FILLED, 6” DIAMETER STEEL POSTS (OR EQUIVALENT) SHOULD BE PLACED AT THE

CORNERS OF THE PAD TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO ACCIDENTAL TRAFFIC DAMAGE. POSTS MUST ALSO

BE PLACED IN FRONT OF THE GAS UTILITY RISER TO PROTECT THE GAS REGULATOR FROM IMPACT

AND / OR DAMAGE FROM LAWN EQUIPMENT.

ALL DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN INCHES.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS INSTALLATION, CONTACT APLHA TECHNOLOGIES OR

YOUR NEAREST ALPHA REPRESENTATIVE.

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Alpha’s UBV Series Underground Battery Vaults and BVE enclosures meet municipal

and state regulations involving line of sight restrictions. These utility approved vaults are

manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and can house up to eight batteries.

Several options are available including combinations with ground and pole mount power

supply enclosures.

Hex-head bolts (standard)

Penta-head hardware optional)

Cover

Battery compartment

Box, High density polyethelyne

1” thick grate

2.5” PVC Conduit

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Underground Battery Vault

Fig. 1-1 Underground Battery Vault (UBV)

Alpha Underground Battery Vault (UBV)

Specications

HDPE Vault (accommodates up to 8 batteries)

(in): 43.5L x 31.75W x 18H

(mm): 105L x 806W x 457H

HDPE Lid

(in): 35.6L x 24.1W

(mm): 904L x 612W

Available Options

Part Number Model Description

870-180-26 BCK-UBV3 Fused Battery Cable Kit - 3 batteries

874-194-21 BCK-UBV4 Fused Battery Cable Kit - 4 batteries

874-194-22 BCK-UBV6 Fused Battery Cable Kit - 6 batteries

874-194-23 BCK-UBV8 Fused Battery Cable Kit - 8 batteries

875-730-20 Replacement Inline Fuse, 100A

874-195-22 BCK-Extension, 25’ For XM Series 2 Power Supply

874-165-26 BCK-Extension, 25’ Shielded version for XM Series 2 Power Supply*

600-646-C2 6 Battery Tray

630-335-10 UBV-SH Penta Head Hardware

964-028-10 Lifting Hook, Universal, 36"

964-029-10 7/8" Penta Head Socket

744-524-20 UBV-BC-180 Battery Cover for 180 series batteries

745-778-20 UBV-BC-165 Battery Cover for 160 series batteries

740-162-20 RTS-4 Remote Temperature Sensor, 4’ length (supplied with XM2)

744-423-20 RTS-25 Remote Temperature Sensor, 25’ length

*Shielded cables provide EMI Supression required for above-ground XM2 applications where the BCK is routed through

an exposed plastic conduit.

Table 1 Available options

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Vault & Lid

Optional concrete pad

(4” to 6” thick)

Compacted backll

Compacted

backll

Drainage gravel

(6” deep typical)

For installations where the optional concrete pad is not used:

1. Excavate the site approximately 6” deeper than the overall height of the vault. The length and width

of the hole should be 4” to 6” more than the width and depth of the vault.

2. Use 6” of compacted gravel as a base for the vault. Level the gravel so the top of the vault is ush

with grade.

3. Finish installation by adding backll and compacting.

For installations where the optional concrete pad is used:

1. Excavate the site approximately 6” deeper than the overall height of the vault. The length and width

of the hole should be 4” to 6” more than the width and depth of the vault.

2. Use 6” of compacted gravel as a base for the vault. Level the gravel so the top of the vault is ush

with grade.

3. Install shims on each side and end to prevent deection.

4. Add backll and compact to a depth of 8” below grade.

5. Build form around vault to make a 6” wide collar around the vault.

6. Once concrete sets, nish backll to grade.

Undisturbed soil

2” PVC conduit for wiring

(provided by installer),

broken out of enclosure at

appropriate location for

installation.

2. INSTALLATION

2.1 Site Prep and Installation

Fig. 2-1 Typical site for UBV

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Fig. 2-2 Single 36Vdc battery string

Fig. 2-3 Dual 36Vdc battery string

2. INSTALLATION, continued

underground battery vault (ubv)

intercell connection

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

intercell connection

underground battery vault (ubv)

inline fuse

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

parallel link

36V

24V

12V

inline fuse

intercell connection

parallel link

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

36V

24V

12V

24V

36V

2.2 Battery Placement

underground battery vault (ubv)

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

intercell connection

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

inline fuse

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

intercell connection

underground battery vault (ubv)

inline fuse

intercell connection

inline fuse

parallel link

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

4 23

48V

36V

24V

12V

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

48V

36V

24V

12V

24V

36V

12V

48V

2.2 Battery Placement, continued

Fig. 2-4 Single 48Vdc battery string

Fig. 2-5 Dual 48Vdc battery string

2. INSTALLATION, continued

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Depending on the size of the vault, strings of 3, 4, 6, or 8 batteries may be installed, along with

an optional AlphaGuard Battery Monitoring system. After securing the UBV, and installing the

batteries, make the wire connections to the batteries as shown.

Installation and Connection Procedure:

1. Label the batteries.

2. Install the batteries into the underground battery vault.

3. Connect batteries in as shown in the accompanying diagrams, and tighten harware to

battery manufacturer's specications.

4. Tape Remote temperature sensor (RTS) to side of battery.

5. If an optional AlphaGuard Battery Sense Monitor is incorporated into the battery system,

connect the battery sense wires as shown.

6. Apply corrosion inhibitor to terminal assembly after tightening.

Route the battery cable connectors from the enclosure, ring lugs rst to the UBV.

NOTE:

Verify the battery voltage and polarity are correct before proceeding.

NOTE:

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection

3/4" x1/4-20 bolt

split washer

battery sense wire

(from optional alphaguard)

battery cable

flat washer

Fig. 2-6 Terminal Connection with Battery Sense Wiring

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection, continued

2.3.1 Charge Management Technology (CMT)

The AlphaGuard monitors and protects the batteries by spreading the charge voltage equally across all the

batteries in a string, ensuring that every battery in the string, whether old or new, is properly charged. With an

ideal voltage always across each battery, life and runtime are optimized. Individual batteries in a string can be

replaced as they fail, allowing batteries to be left in service longer.

The AlphaGuard unit installs directly on top of one of the batteries in the string. A wire harness connects the

AlphaGuard to each of the batteries in the string. Both 36V (3 battery) and 48V (4 battery) versions are available.

One AlphaGuard is required per battery string. The AlphaGuard performs electrical compensation for differences

in individual batteries in the string.

AlphaGuard Charge Management System (AG-CMT)

Part Number Model Description

012-306-32 AG-CMT-3SC-P

AlphaGuard Charge Management SC, CMT-3SC-P 36Vdc

Potted without sense wires

012-306-33 AG-CMT-4SC-P

AlphaGuard Charge Management SC, CMT-4SC-P 48Vdc

Potted without sense wires

Table 2 Part Numbers, Charge Management Technology-related items

12V24V36V

3 12

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection, continued

2.3.2 Single 36V Battery String Wiring Diagram

orange

yellow

AG-CMT-3SC-P

Fig. 2-7 AG-CMT-3SC-P Wiring for Single 36V Battery String

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

brown

black

inline fuse

Brown

12V

24V

36V

12V

24V

36V

black

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

orange

yellow

inline fuse

yellow

orange

AG-CMT-3SC-P

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection, continued

2.3.3 Dual 36V Battery String Wiring Diagram

Fig. 2-8 AG-CMT-3SC-P Wiring for Dual 36V Battery String

remote temperature sensor – rts (connects to power supply)

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

black

48V

36V

24V

12V

AG-CMT-4SC-P

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection, continued

2.3.4 Single 48V Battery String Wiring Diagram

Fig. 2-9 AG-CMT-4SC-P Wiring for Single 48V Battery String

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

brown

orange

yellow

red

inline fuse

black

48V

36V

24V

12V

24V

36V

12V

48V

brown

orange

yellow

red

AG-CMT-4SC-P

orange

inline fuse

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.3 Battery Connection, continued

2.3.5 Dual 48V Battery String Wiring Diagram

Fig. 2-10 AG-CMT-4SC-P Wiring for Dual 48V Battery String

to power supply: red (+), black (-)

inline fuse

remote temperature sensor – rts

(connects to power supply)

yellow

black

red

brown

black

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

Battery covers for the 165 and 180 series batteries are available and protect the

batteries from water, dirt and corrosion. The battery covers for the 165 GXL and 180 GXL

batteries are different sizes. The 180 GXL battery cover is the larger of the two. The battery

specic covers are not interchangeable.

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.4 Battery Covers

Fig. 2-11 165 GXL Battery Cover

Group 27

(Alpha p/n 745-778-20)

Fig. 2-12 180 GXL Battery Cover

Group 31

(Alpha p/n 744-524-20)

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

For the 165GXL battery, the cover locking mechanism ts

under the battery handle tab molded into the battery case. To

properly seat the cover, the battery handle must be pushed

down as shown to allow space for the cover latch to engage

at “X”.

For the 180 GXL battery, the carry strap does not need to be

pushed down. The cover will latch at “X”.

Place the cover over the battery, route the battery cables and

battery sense wires down through the molded channels in the

cover.

Flex the side panels out and place the cover over the battery.

The cover will snap into place.

Press down evenly and rmly on the cover to fully seat it in place.

Repeat for the rest of the batteries in the string.

To ensure the battery covers are properly seated, pull up on

the center of the cover. If the cover comes off, repeat the above

steps.

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.4 Battery Covers, continued

2.4.1 Installing the Battery covers

031-040-B0-003 Rev. C1

2. INSTALLATION, continued

2.4 Battery Covers, continued

2.4.1 Installing the Battery Covers, continued

Fig. 2-13 165 AGM Battery with Cover in Place

Fig. 2-14 180 GXL Battery with Cover in Place

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Alpha Underground Battery Vaults Installation guide

Alpha Underground Battery Vaults Installation guide

Alpha Underground Battery Vaults Installation guide

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