Sealey Battery Tester - any users out there?

[RichardS]

I recently read a review of the Sealey BT103 battery tester in Car Mechanics conducted by a professional auto electrican and it was rated very highly as the type of analytical device which used to be only available to professional operators because of the cost.

There is now a newer device available with a similar LCD screen, the BT105, but this one also has a PC output although that doesn't have to be used.

The BT105 gives a readout of battery charge, capacity, condition, cranking capacity, alternator output, diode condition etc etc and is currently available here: https://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/sealey-bt105-digital-battery-and-alternator-tester-12v-osealey_BT105 for £80 with free delivery. (link includes full manual for the BT105)

I am currently maintaining 12 separate lead acid batteries in various environments and a device like the BT105 sounds as if it might be very useful.

Before I make the purchase does anyone else on here have personal experience of the previous BT models or, indeed, the BT105.

Richard

 

[andyp]

Richard,

I have used the simpler 6V/12V Sealey BT91/7 drop tester which uses a resistive load (smokes a bit) and a dial gauge.

No need for LCD screen or PC output for me, but it definitely showed which of my service bank batteries needed replacing.

 

[Plevier]

It does not tell you battery capacity (nor do they claim it does).
It will give you an indication of its cranking capability, which can still be good when the capacity is way down.
You could not rely on it for testing domestic batteries.

 

[RichardS]

It does not tell you battery capacity (nor do they claim it does).
It will give you an indication of its cranking capability, which can still be good when the capacity is way down.
You could not rely on it for testing domestic batteries.

I think that the "Health %" represents the usuable capacity of the battery compared to its "sticker" capacity and I don't see why it wouldn't give a good indication of the condition of house batteries although most of my batteries are engine start ones anyway ..... but I'm ideally hoping for personal experience from forumites who have used one of the BT10* range.

Richard

 

[savageseadog]

I think it's a conductance meter similar to the ones made by Midtronics. A good value unit if it is. The CCA reading does give you a good idea of the condition of the battery. You have to know the original CCA and/or use historical data over a period of time to determine the state of the battery. It's worth doing a tests monthly or three monthly and keep records.