open comparments while charging battery?

My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

I have vents in the rear compartment of my boat... probably there to vent
gas, since the gas tank is located in the same compartment. But yes... I
heard the same thing about venting, but don't open the hatch while
charging... especially since adding the on board charger.

Funny thing... we have the Coast Guard Auxillary do vessel checks at the
beginning of the tournament season, and my boat failed when new. They said
that the vents were probably too small for one thing, being that they are
mere plugs with little holes. There was little I could do except cut larger
holes, which I'm not going to do. The other thing that failed was the
battery posts weren't covered. Seems that the manufacturer would have made
sure that all the safety requirements were met before releasing it to me.
Isn't the Coast Guard Auxillary a national thing? Or just local?


"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

On 22 Aug 2004 18:19:54 GMT, (RGarri7470) wrote:

My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

I know that Brooklyn Bill vents the battery compartment when he is
charging.

Harry J aka Thundercat
Brooklyn Bill's Tackle Shop Fishing Team
http://www.geocities.com/brooklynbill2003/products.html
Share the knowledge, compete on execution.

Always make sure when charging a battery that it is charged in a well
ventilated area.


"Thundercat" wrote in message
...
On 22 Aug 2004 18:19:54 GMT, (RGarri7470) wrote:

My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many
other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

I know that Brooklyn Bill vents the battery compartment when he is
charging.

Harry J aka Thundercat
Brooklyn Bill's Tackle Shop Fishing Team
http://www.geocities.com/brooklynbill2003/products.html
Share the knowledge, compete on execution.

On 22 Aug 2004 18:19:54 GMT, (RGarri7470) wrote:

Anybody else heard that?

Yes--many times I have heard and/or read this. But I don't recall
ever seeing hard research for substantiation.

Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

I always open the cover over the compartment containing the batteries
and on-board charger. (Better safe than sorry!) Maybe one of you
battery gurus can help us here?

True, charging batteries will generate very explosive gas. Always
ventilate and do nothing that might arc or spark. No Smoking please. If
using a portable charger with alligator clips be sure that you do not cause
a spark. Many injuries have occurred because of ignorance on this. Unplug
the charger when ever attaching or detaching clips.

Ken



"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Anything here help?

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/index.htm


"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

or from my mechanic days

Regradless of fast or slow charging rates, always begin by checking the
electrolyte level when possible, add water as needed to a conventional
battery,Charging with electrolyte levels below the seperators can damage the
battery. Perform all charging in a well ventilated area away from sparks or
open flames. Always be sure the charger is off before connecting or
disconnecting the leads to a battery.


"Jerry Barton (NervisRek)" wrote in message
...
Anything here help?

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/index.htm


"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many
other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while
batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while
charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

On 22 Aug 2004 18:19:54 GMT, (RGarri7470) sent into
the ether:

My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com
Yes Ronnie, always open the hatch to the battery compartment when
charging as the batteries do off gas explosive gasses when charging.
If you want to pass an inspection by the Coast Guard or a local group,
buy some terminal covers too. Some boats have a completely closed
battery compartment, some only a partially closed compartment. Either
way open it if possible. The gas given off is lighter than air and
will dissipate easily. If in an enclosed building, like a small
garage and charging a bank of three, I would allow the gas to
dissapate before providing a source of ignition. Don't forget, no
smoking and connect them up and disconnect them with the charger
unplugged so you eliminate any sparks. Well at least for the guys
like me without an onboard charger. :{
There, does that sound like a safety guy?

Remove the x for e-mail reply
www.outdoorfrontiers.com

"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Yes Ronnie, I've heard it. Matter of fact I think my charger's owner's
manual even had it in it in big bold letters.

I had to work around mounting it (Promariner Sportsman 12 charger) on my
boat because it also said not to mount the charger within the same
compartment as the fuel tank, and in my little boat (G3 Pro 175) the
batteries and fuel tank are in the same compartment at the back of the boat.
Sooooo, I mounted my charger on the lid to said compartment and fold it
completely open (no springs or gas shocks) to use the charger after a day on
the lake. Since when it is laid back like this, it is literally outside the
compartment, sitting on top of the rear casting deck (near where the
pedastal "would" be). I usually open up the compartment for a good half hour
to hour prior to plugging in the charger so gas fumes and what have you can
dissipate, and then plug it in. Seems safe thus far, besides, I'd be sitting
a regular charger in almost the same position on the deck if it weren't
already mounted to the bottom side of that hatch lid, so I figure it's ok.

I still don't get how gasses can escape from sealed AGM batteries, but I go
through the precautions anyway. Don't wanna blow up the boat or my nearby
shop building...