Battery Element Tester
Battery Element Tester
STS 1657 and 1656 Battery Element Testers quickly and reliably detect insulation defects in lead-acid batteries, including missing or damaged separators—before filling or charging. Using a high-voltage, short-duration pulse, these testers stress the battery’s dielectric material without generating harmful heat, ensuring accurate fault detection while protecting the cell. These battery elementers are the go to selection because of its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use.
Why Choose STS 1657/1656 Series
STS Instruments is the go to choice for battery fault detection, selected by battery manufacturers worldwide
Solid-state switching and robust design support high-volume production environments with consistent performance
High-voltage, short-duration pulses stress the dielectric without generating damaging heat, unlike traditional AC tests
Clear displays, automatic audible/visual alarms make testing fast and easy—no interpretation needed
Key Specifications
- Designed for early, quick and accurate fault detection on high volume production lines
- Adjustable voltage for any battery up to 3,000V
- Ideal for testing wide range of separator types and spacing
- Unique Short Duration Pulse Method
- Produces rapid Go/No-Go Results for faster throughput
- Safe, efficient, easy-to-use safety probes for applying high voltage
- Lockout Feature shuts off high voltage if product fails
- Large Color LCD Display for high voltage output and test results
- Easy menu-driven operation
- Solid State design for durability in high volume product testing
- Audible and visual failure indicators
- Auto-Line Option for automated in-line production test
Detect Lead Acid Battery Defects Fast
STS Battery Element Testers catch insulation faults—like missing or damaged separators—early, protecting your lead-acid batteries before filling or charging. Using a high-voltage, short-duration pulse, they deliver fast, reliable testing without heat damage.
With adjustable voltages up to 3,000V, simple go/no-go operation, and instant audible and visual alerts, STS testers make high-volume production safer, faster, and more efficient.
The Auto-Line option enables fully automated in-line testing of lead-acid batteries, integrating seamlessly into your production workflow. Batteries are tested automatically as they reach the tester, with no manual probe connection or operator intervention required. Instant go/no-go results are provided via audible and visual alarms, and test data can be logged directly for quality tracking and reporting.
Designed for high-volume production, the Auto-Line option ensures consistent, reliable fault detection while maximizing throughput and efficiency.
| Model Number | Description | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Models | |||
| 1656-PLC | Battery Element Tester (BET) | Supplied with: • USB Interface, PLC I/O • Set of High Voltage Safety Test Leads, 1.8 m / 6 ft. long • 1656 Operator Manual and Owners Manual • Spare AC Input Fuses (2) • Certificate of Calibration • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1656-PLC-232 | BET with RS232 Serial Interface | • Adds RS232 Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1656-PLC-485 | BET with RS485 Serial Interface | • Adds RS485 multi-drop Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1656-PLC-RPC | BET with Rear Panell HV Connect | • Provides rear panel mounted test probe connections | |
| Auto Line Unit | |||
| 1656 AUTO LINE | Six Channel HV Multiplexer for auto-production line fixture testing. | Requires 1656-PLC-RPC Supplied with: • Auto Line Operator Manual • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1652 Compatibility Options | |||
| 1656-PLC-TT | Adds TT1652 Option | Modifies PLC Test Input to emulate 1652 Trigger mode. See TT1652 Datasheet for details. | |
| 1656-PLC-070 | BET with Model 070 Adapter attached to top cover | Designed to replace 1652-070 field units. Attaches 995-017-907B module adapter to 1656-PLC-TT BET | |
| Type 070 Adapter | P/N 995-017-907B for use with 1656-PLC-TT | Converts 115Vac to isolated low level PLC Test input signal and provides 115Vac Test Fail output. May be ordered separately. Requires 1656-PLC-TT BET to operate. See Type 070 Datasheet for details. | |
| Accessories (P/N) | |||
| 102-050-919 | Test Probe Assembly Kit | Set of Safety Retracting Red & Black Probes with 1.8 m / 6 ft. leads | |
| 200025 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200026 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200386 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| 200387 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| Model Number | Description | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Models | |||
| 1657-PLC | Battery Element Tester (BET) | Supplied with: • USB Interface, PLC I/O • Set of High Voltage Safety Test Leads, 1.8 m / 6 ft. long • 1656 Operator Manual and Owners Manual • Spare AC Input Fuses (2) • Certificate of Calibration • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1657-PLC-232 | BET with RS232 Serial Interface | • Adds RS232 Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1657-PLC-485 | BET with RS485 Serial Interface | • Adds RS485 multi-drop Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1657-PLC-RPC | BET with Rear Panell HV Connect | • Provides rear panel mounted test probe connections | |
| Auto Line Unit | |||
| 1656 AUTO LINE | Six Channel HV Multiplexer for auto-production line fixture testing. | Requires 1657-PLC-RPC Supplied with: • Auto Line Operator Manual • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1652 Compatibility Options | |||
| 1657-PLC-TT | Adds TT1652 Option | Modifies PLC Test Input to emulate 1652 Trigger mode. See TT1652 Datasheet for details. | |
| 1657-PLC-070 | BET with Model 070 Adapter attached to top cover | Designed to replace 1652-070 field units. Attaches 995-017-907B module adapter to 1657-PLC-TT BET | |
| Type 070 Adapter | P/N 995-017-907B for use with 1657-PLC-TT | Converts 115Vac to isolated low level PLC Test input signal and provides 115Vac Test Fail output. May be ordered separately. Requires 1657-PLC-TT BET to operate. See Type 070 Datasheet for details. | |
| Accessories (P/N) | |||
| 102-050-919 | Test Probe Assembly Kit | Set of Safety Retracting Red & Black Probes with 1.8 m / 6 ft. leads | |
| 200025 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200026 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200386 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| 200387 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| Title | Document Type |
|---|---|
1656/1657 STS Instruments Battery Element Tester
|
Datasheet |
1656/1657 STS Instruments Battery Element Tester Manual
|
Manual |
Why Choose STS 1657/1656 Series
STS Instruments is the go to choice for battery fault detection, selected by battery manufacturers worldwide
Solid-state switching and robust design support high-volume production environments with consistent performance
High-voltage, short-duration pulses stress the dielectric without generating damaging heat, unlike traditional AC tests
Clear displays, automatic audible/visual alarms make testing fast and easy—no interpretation needed
Key Specifications
- Designed for early, quick and accurate fault detection on high volume production lines
- Adjustable voltage for any battery up to 3,000V
- Ideal for testing wide range of separator types and spacing
- Unique Short Duration Pulse Method
- Produces rapid Go/No-Go Results for faster throughput
- Safe, efficient, easy-to-use safety probes for applying high voltage
- Lockout Feature shuts off high voltage if product fails
- Large Color LCD Display for high voltage output and test results
- Easy menu-driven operation
- Solid State design for durability in high volume product testing
- Audible and visual failure indicators
- Auto-Line Option for automated in-line production test
Detect Lead Acid Battery Defects Fast
STS Battery Element Testers catch insulation faults—like missing or damaged separators—early, protecting your lead-acid batteries before filling or charging. Using a high-voltage, short-duration pulse, they deliver fast, reliable testing without heat damage.
With adjustable voltages up to 3,000V, simple go/no-go operation, and instant audible and visual alerts, STS testers make high-volume production safer, faster, and more efficient.
The Auto-Line option enables fully automated in-line testing of lead-acid batteries, integrating seamlessly into your production workflow. Batteries are tested automatically as they reach the tester, with no manual probe connection or operator intervention required. Instant go/no-go results are provided via audible and visual alarms, and test data can be logged directly for quality tracking and reporting.
Designed for high-volume production, the Auto-Line option ensures consistent, reliable fault detection while maximizing throughput and efficiency.
| Model Number | Description | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Models | |||
| 1656-PLC | Battery Element Tester (BET) | Supplied with: • USB Interface, PLC I/O • Set of High Voltage Safety Test Leads, 1.8 m / 6 ft. long • 1656 Operator Manual and Owners Manual • Spare AC Input Fuses (2) • Certificate of Calibration • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1656-PLC-232 | BET with RS232 Serial Interface | • Adds RS232 Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1656-PLC-485 | BET with RS485 Serial Interface | • Adds RS485 multi-drop Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1656-PLC-RPC | BET with Rear Panell HV Connect | • Provides rear panel mounted test probe connections | |
| Auto Line Unit | |||
| 1656 AUTO LINE | Six Channel HV Multiplexer for auto-production line fixture testing. | Requires 1656-PLC-RPC Supplied with: • Auto Line Operator Manual • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1652 Compatibility Options | |||
| 1656-PLC-TT | Adds TT1652 Option | Modifies PLC Test Input to emulate 1652 Trigger mode. See TT1652 Datasheet for details. | |
| 1656-PLC-070 | BET with Model 070 Adapter attached to top cover | Designed to replace 1652-070 field units. Attaches 995-017-907B module adapter to 1656-PLC-TT BET | |
| Type 070 Adapter | P/N 995-017-907B for use with 1656-PLC-TT | Converts 115Vac to isolated low level PLC Test input signal and provides 115Vac Test Fail output. May be ordered separately. Requires 1656-PLC-TT BET to operate. See Type 070 Datasheet for details. | |
| Accessories (P/N) | |||
| 102-050-919 | Test Probe Assembly Kit | Set of Safety Retracting Red & Black Probes with 1.8 m / 6 ft. leads | |
| 200025 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200026 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200386 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| 200387 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| Model Number | Description | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Models | |||
| 1657-PLC | Battery Element Tester (BET) | Supplied with: • USB Interface, PLC I/O • Set of High Voltage Safety Test Leads, 1.8 m / 6 ft. long • 1656 Operator Manual and Owners Manual • Spare AC Input Fuses (2) • Certificate of Calibration • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1657-PLC-232 | BET with RS232 Serial Interface | • Adds RS232 Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1657-PLC-485 | BET with RS485 Serial Interface | • Adds RS485 multi-drop Interface in addition to USB | |
| 1657-PLC-RPC | BET with Rear Panell HV Connect | • Provides rear panel mounted test probe connections | |
| Auto Line Unit | |||
| 1656 AUTO LINE | Six Channel HV Multiplexer for auto-production line fixture testing. | Requires 1657-PLC-RPC Supplied with: • Auto Line Operator Manual • AC Line Cord (detachable) |
|
| 1652 Compatibility Options | |||
| 1657-PLC-TT | Adds TT1652 Option | Modifies PLC Test Input to emulate 1652 Trigger mode. See TT1652 Datasheet for details. | |
| 1657-PLC-070 | BET with Model 070 Adapter attached to top cover | Designed to replace 1652-070 field units. Attaches 995-017-907B module adapter to 1657-PLC-TT BET | |
| Type 070 Adapter | P/N 995-017-907B for use with 1657-PLC-TT | Converts 115Vac to isolated low level PLC Test input signal and provides 115Vac Test Fail output. May be ordered separately. Requires 1657-PLC-TT BET to operate. See Type 070 Datasheet for details. | |
| Accessories (P/N) | |||
| 102-050-919 | Test Probe Assembly Kit | Set of Safety Retracting Red & Black Probes with 1.8 m / 6 ft. leads | |
| 200025 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200026 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 1.8 m / 6 ft. lead | |
| 200386 | Test Probe Assembly, Red | Safety Retracting Probe, Red with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| 200387 | Test Probe Assembly, Black | Safety Retracting Probe, Black with 3 m / 10 ft. lead | |
| Title | Document Type |
|---|---|
|
1656/1657 STS Instruments Battery Element Tester
|
Datasheet |
|
1656/1657 STS Instruments Battery Element Tester Manual
|
Manual |