When ordering batteries, round the order to the next full STANDARD PACK. (See Standard Pack entry in the Radio and 

Equipment Kit Battery Matrix or see listing in the GENERAL SECTION of the NFES Catalog, under Battery, Radio.) 

All NIRSC radios utilized alkaline technology batteries. Alkaline batteries should have a shelf life of two years with only 

about 10% degradation in power. The batteries used in NIICD equipment and applications can probably be stored for four 

years, however the life will be noticeably shorter.

Battery life with the clamshell-type battery holder will depend upon the AA cells installed, type of radio used, whether the 

radio is in “scan” mode, and the power output setting on the radio. P25 radios drain batteries more quickly than analog 

radios. (See Radio and Equipment Battery Matrix)

Battery Testing:

Using a voltmeter to determine the state of an alkaline battery can yield very inconsistent results. A battery that no longer 

works on a repeater and which has not had a load placed on it for a few days may read “good” on a voltmeter (a voltmeter 

does not apply the proper current load). To correctly test the batteries in a repeater with a voltmeter, put the repeater in 

transmit condition to apply a load to the batteries. (See Figure 1)

Figure 1: Sample Voltmeter Test on Standalone SLA Battery Configuration

Repeaters: Replace batteries if the voltage is at 10.5 volts with the transmitter keyed up. Starting voltage is about 14 

volts with the transmitter operating. Repeater batteries should last 5-7 days under heavy usage. 

(See Radio and Equipment Battery Matrix)

Note: NIRSC recommends testing the polarity of each battery before installation. 

 Some batteries have been known to come labeled incorrectly from the manufacture.

Radios: The transmit LED is the best indicator of battery life. If the light holds bright for 3 seconds while transmitting on 

high power, the battery should be in good shape. Don’t rely on the battery gauge on any radio since they are designed for 

use with rechargeable batteries. Radio batteries should easily last a shift (usually 12 hours). 

(See Radio and Equipment Battery Matrix)

Note: Alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous waste, except in California. These batteries should be disposed of 

 at the incident to save on shipping costs.

 Remove battery straps from the batteries prior to disposal and return them with the kits.

GENERAL RADIO BATTERY INFORMATION

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
GENERAL EQUIPMENT BATTERY TESTING

System Regulator Battery Testing

System Monitor Battery Testing

Testing the Equipment Batteries under load on equipment with a System Regulator

• Connect the supplied batteries to the equipment.

Note: If new batteries are being installed, test each battery voltage and connect

accordingly by following the battery diagrams for each piece of equipment.

• Assure that all power switches on each module are turned to the "NORM" position.

• Connect a Volt Meter to the Meter Jacks on the System Regulator Module.

• Adjust the Function Switch on the System Regulator to position 1.

• Key up the Transmitters by either using a VHF or UHF handheld to test the battery

voltage under a load condition.

• Replace the batteries if the voltage is at or falls below +10.5 volts while under load.

Note: The equipment voltage can also be tested on both the System Regulator and

System Monitor equipment by utilizing the Voice Board. See Voice Board Instructions

Testing the Equipment Batteries under load on equipment with a System Monitor 

• Connect the supplied batteries to the equipment.

Note: If new batteries are being installed, test each battery voltage and connect

accordingly by following the battery diagrams for each piece of equipment.

• Assure that all power switches on each module are turned to the "NORM" position.

• Connect a Volt Meter to the Meter Jacks on the System Regulator Module.

• Adjust the Function Switch on the System Regulator to position 2.

• Press the "PTT" button on the System Monitor to key up the Transmitters to test the

battery voltage under a load condition.

• Replace the batteries if the voltage is at or falls below +10.5 volts while under load.

System Monitor

 Switch Functions

2 +13.8 V (Supply Voltage)

3 +9.5 V Regulated

1, 4-12 NIRSC Testing

System Regulator

 Switch Functions

1 +13.8 V (Supply Voltage)

2 +9.5 V Regulated

3-12 NIRSC Testing

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
SLA BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS

In situations when there is heavy voice traffic on the system or where access to the site is limited, NIRSC recommends a 

double-battery system to avoid power failure during the incident. Even with a double battery system, voltage should be 

checked or batteries replaced every 5-7 days. (See Figure 2)

Solar Panel Kits (NFES# 004080) are available from NIRSC and are recommended for use at sites with limited access. 

Contact the CDO for Solar Panel Kit availability before ordering.

Figure 1:

+12V Single SLA Battery Configuration

Figure 2:

+12V Double SLA Battery Parallel Configuration

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
4312, 4248 and 4370 SLA BATTERY INSTALLATION

All 4312, 4248, 4330, 4370 and 4248 kits will be sent from NIRSC without any batteries physically connected to the 

equipment. The user must install the batteries from the NFES# 4150 SLA Battery Kit to make them operational. Please 

following the appropriate battery configuration and installation procedure for each piece of equipment.

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
4330/4330EX SLA BATTERY INSTALLATION

All 4312, 4248, 4330, 4370 and 4248 kits will be sent from NIRSC without any batteries physically connected to the 

equipment. The user must install the batteries from the NFES# 4150 SLA Battery Kit to make them operational. Please 

following the appropriate battery configuration and installation procedure for each piece of equipment.

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
SLA BATTERY CHARGING AND WARNINGS

• Ensure battery terminals are covered during transportation.

• If the plastic terminal covers are missing, cover the terminals

with tape to prevent shorts.

• If spacer seperating each battery is loose, secure batteries

together with fiber tape to prevent movement and place the

spacer to the side.

• Do not transport if 4150 pelican case foam is damaged or missing.

• Keep all foreign items out of the kit such as tools or stakes.

SLA 4150 TRANSPORTATION INSTRUCTIONS

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide
BATTERY TYPES

NFES# 000030 000033 004150 001241

VOLTAGES 1.5Volts (AA) 1.5Volts (D) 12Volts 9Volts

STANDARD CACHE PACKAGE 24/PG 12/PG 2/Kit 24/BX

HANDHELD RADIO CLAMSHELL BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

RADIO TYPE 000030

(AA)

000033

(D)

001023

(7.5 V)

001241

(9 V)

Replacement Cycle

4381KD (KING DPH) *9 **Every 12 Hours Max

4381K2 (KING KNG2) *8 **Every 8 to 12 Hours Max

4381KR (KING BKR5000) *12 **Every 8 to 12 Hours Max

4244X2 (MOTOROLA XTS) *12 **Every 8 to 12 Hours Max

4244K2 (KING KNG2) *8 **Every 8 to 12 Hours Max

4244MD (MIDLAND) *6 **Every 8 to 12 Hours Max

ICOM IC-A6 (AM) *6 **Every 12 Hours Max

* Note: Numbers reflect batteries required per clamshell.

** Note: Replacement Cycle is under ideal normal usage and is only a NIRSC recommendation.

Battery consumption is directly dependant on channels scanned, priority mode, light operation, digital mode, and (PTT)

Push-To-Talk cycles and duration.

EQUIPMENT KIT BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

EQUIPMENT TYPE 000030

(AA)

000033

(D)

004150

(12 V)

001241

(9 V)

Replacement Cycle 

(Without Solar Panel Kits)

4248 - UHF REPEATER *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4281 - CROSSBAND LINK *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4312 - VHF REPEATER *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4300 - AM BASE STATION *40 *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4370 - GROUND A/C LINK *40 *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4330 - REMOTE *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

4330EX - REMOTE EXPANSION *2 ** Every 5 Days Max

* Note: Numbers reflect batteries required per equipment kit .

** Note: Replacement Cycle is under heavy usage and is only a NIRSC recommendation.

4390 STARTER SYSTEM BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

SYSTEM TYPE 000030 (AA - 1.5 Volts) 004150 (12 Volts)

4390 w/DPH VHF/Motorola UHF Radios *648 (27 Standard Packages) **20 (5 Kits Included)

4390 w/DPH VHF /Midland UHF Radios *552 (23 Standard Packages) **20 (5 Kits Included)

4390 w/KNG VHF/KNG UHF Radios *536 (23 Standard Packages) **20 (5 Kits Included)

4390 w/KNG VHF/Midland UHF Radios *600 (25 Standard Packages) **20 (5 Kits Included)

4390 w/KNG VHF/Motorola UHF Radios *504 (21 Standard Packages) **20 (5 Kits Included)

* Note: AA Battery requirements are per Replacement Cycle of one (1) per shift.

** Note: 12 Volt Battery requirements are per Replacement Cycle of 5 days max without solar panel kit installed.

RADIO AND EQUIPMENT BATTERY MATRIX

2024 NIRSC SLA Battery Info & Installation Guide