AEMC Instruments PEL 102 and 103 power and energy loggers include an 8.4 volt nickel-metal
hydride battery pack for backup power. This battery, shown on the screen, can be replaced
by the user. This video explains how to do this. Note that replacing the battery in the
PEL is not a complicated process, but it must be performed carefully and in strict accordance
with the procedure described in this video. Any variation could result in damage to the
instrument. If you are unsure about performing this procedure, return the PEL to AEMC for
battery replacement. Also note that this battery should only need to be replaced every three
or four years or so in normal use.
Before you being, be sure that you have access to a clean work surface free of debris, water,
and other possible contaminants. This surface should be well-lighted and provide sufficient
room in which to work. You will also need the following:
• A replacement battery pack, catalog number 2137.75. You can order this online through
the web site shown on the screen
• A Torx T10 screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is also known as a "star" screwdriver.
• Tape, such as masking, electrical, or other common type
• Optionally, a small non-conductive implement such as a drink stirring stick or toothpick
will be useful
To replace the battery in the PEL 102 or 103, disconnect the instrument from all electrical
sources and sensor probes. Then follow these steps:
Start by applying tape to the control buttons on the PEL front panel. This tape will ensure
that the buttons remain in place when you remove the PEL's front cover from the back
cover. Then tape the endplates to the back cover, as shown on the screen. This helps
ensure that the endplates remain attached to the back cover when you remove the front
cover.
Turn over the PEL, and locate the six fastening screws on the back of the instrument. Using
the Torx T10 screwdriver, remove these fastening screws.
Carefully remove the front cover of the PEL from the back cover. Typically the two covers
fit together very snugly, so it may be difficult at first to separate them. One way to do this
is to turn the instrument on its side and then carefully separate each corner in turn,
starting with the bottom right corner. Pull the covers apart, ensuring that the endplate
remains attached to the back cover. Do not allow either the top or bottom endplate to
become separated from the back cover, because this may damage the PEL input and connection
terminals, requiring that the instrument be sent to AEMC for repair.
With the front cover removed, locate the battery pack inside the PEL. Gently remove and unplug
the battery. A small implement such as a drink stirring stick, as shown on the screen, can
be useful for doing this.
Inspect the plug of the replacement battery pack, and note the position of the connector
pins. Position the plug with the connector pins facing away from the battery pack compartment.
In the example shown on the screen, the pins are facing in the direction indicated by the
arrow. Then very carefully insert the plug by gently pushing it into the socket within
the PEL. There is very little room for this procedure, so an implement such as a stirring
stick or toothpick may be helpful in ensuring the plug is securely inserted. Note that the
PEL instrument will likely turn on when you plug in the connector; this can be disregarded.
Place the replacement battery into the compartment provided for it within the PEL. When doing
this, ensure that the battery's connector wires are positioned as shown in the illustration
on the left. Be sure the wires do not cross over the top of the post, as shown on the
right. If the wires are placed over the post, they will likely be damaged when you replace
the PEL front cover.
Perform a final inspection of the interior of the PEL to ensure no foreign object or
debris has fallen inside. Then replace the front cover, carefully ensuring that it is
securely in place. Turn the PEL over, and replace the six fastening screws removed earlier.
Finally, remove the tape applied at the beginning of this procedure. The PEL is now ready for
operation.
This concludes our video explaining how to replace the battery in a PEL 102 or PEL 103
instrument. For more videos about AEMC products, please visit our YouTube channel.