Pelzel, Mark - Broomfield wrote:
>
> Joe really nailed it with the trickle charge approach. This is similar
> to a method that I prescribed in accordance with National Agency
> standards (IEEE, ANSI, DOE, NETA, etc.) for maintenance of batteries
> that were required for use in critical safety applications at a DOE
> nuclear facility; so, I'd say it's good advice!
>
> The only thing that I'll constructively add is that I recommend building
> a storage shelf that helps the charging and keeps you safe. Absolutely
> do not leave your charging batteries or other batteries in storage on a
> concrete floor - concrete will guarantee that they will fully discharge
> over a short period even with a small flow. Also, there is some
> inherent danger with storing batteries with a trickle charge (fire,
> shock, etc.) - just use common sense about where you do this and with
> what materials and you'll be fine.
>
> <<<<<>>>>>>
> Mark Pelzel
> 1979 TR7 BRG DHC
> pelzelm@tusc.com
> mark.pelzel@cexp.com
>
One important item I left out is a personal experience on a saftey
related item.
All lead acid batteries generate hydrogen gas. Lead calcium used in
standby power systems generate very little and are not required to be
ventilated.
There are a number of types of caps used on batteries. All are there to
stop the generated gas from receiving a spark from a external source and
igniting. If you look carefully at a automotive battery cap it has a
small pin hole in it for venting. Internally in the cap there are
barriers to stop any flame travel.
The caps should always remain on the batteries!!! This will not totally
stop a battery from exploding. When a battery is under load or is being
charged gas is generated. If there is a internal flaw in the buss bars
connecting the cells it can explode under the right conditons.
In my earlier years I designed and manufactured a number of chargers for
battery manufacturers and retailers. I felt very confident working
around even 300v stacks of new batteries under charge.
I was a very lucky victum of a exploding battery on my personal vehicle
due to carelesness, after a heavy cranking while my head was under the
hood. The battery apparently took that time to develop a internal flaw
and explode. The top was blown off the battery and my eyes were slightly
fogged by the acid for several days. Fortunately I was near a water hose.
I could have been permanently blinded as were several persons in the
battery indusrtry I know of.
Rule of caution -- When jump starting a vehicle always make final ground
connection to a engine component and not the battery and stand away from
the battery during the starting process as this is the most dangerous
time for the source battery as well as the dead battery.
If charging a battery it is best to turn the charger on after the
connections are made.
Always wear goggles if possible or cover face and eyes with your hands as
a minimum during the above activities.
Know where a close source of water is when working around batteries.
OSHA requires a eye wash station, face shield for eyes, gloves and a
apron to be present at battery locations.
This may sound like over kill but personal experience has made a believer
of me.
I don't put on all the protective gear at home but I do cover my face and
move away.
Long winded again but I like to talk about thing I know and especially
have experienced.
BTW I don't agree on the battery on cement discharing. The old asphalt
cases used to do it and if the battery has acid on it leakage will occur
between terminals causing a discharge. MY OPINION ONLY AND NOT
NECESSARILY FACT.
Joe Worsley
80 TR8
72 TR6
Tupelo, MS USA
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