How to Use an Analog Battery Tester

Testing an analog battery saves money and waste by being able to separate dead batteries from those who are still holding a charge.  Analog battery testers work on lithium, dry cell and rechargeable batteries.  They are inexpensive, simple to use and a useful tool for home or repair service occupations.

• Determine type and voltage of battery to be tested.


• Find the range for the battery on the tester.  The range switch is a knob that turns telling you the battery types compatible with the unit.  The typical testing range is from 1.5 volts up to 22.5 volts, both AC and DC batteries can be tested depending on the range of battery tester you are using.


• Open the storage compartment and remove the leads.  One is connected to the battery tester the others are to be attached to the battery.


• Touch the red lead to the positive (+) or button end of battery terminal, the black lead to the negative (-) or flat end of the battery.


• If you are testing 9-volt batteries, your battery tester has contacts in the front.  You press the terminals into the appropriate contacts in front of the battery tester.  No need to attach wires or clamps.


• Allow a few minutes for the scale to register a reading.  Most models will not give an exact voltage, but they will give you a scale from "good" to "bad".  Some units will read "Replace" or "Recharge" depending on if the battery is rechargeable or lithium. The scale is in the form of a meter, no need to input numbers or interpret digital readouts.