[Shop-talk] battery tender

[Bob Spidell]

Tim,

Overcharging--charging at too high voltage--will cause a lead-acid battery to vent hydrogen gas (that's why you want to 
ground to chassis when jumping a car battery--just in case).  The modern battery tenders/minders are 'smart;' i.e. they 
only apply enough voltage to charge, then maintain, a battery.  A 'dumb' charger will overcharge a battery; I used one 
once and forgot to disconnect it and it boiled some of the acid out of the battery, exposing the plates and ruining the 
battery.

I wouldn't be too concerned about this--you aren't likely to create a Hindenburg in your garage.  Just be mindful when 
you open the hood to disconnect the charger there is a slight chance of a small amount of flammable gas (your biggest 
risk may be forgetting to disconnect the charger).  It wouldn't hurt to give any gas a chance to dissipate before 
disconnecting the charger.

Bob


On 7/9/2011 5:41 AM, Tim wrote:
> Correct me if I am mistaken here:
>
> When charging an automotive battery, it has to be in a well ventilated
> space, correct?
>
> If true, what about using a battery tender? Would it be at all dangerous
> to have a battery tender hooked up to a car that gets covered when in
> the garage?
>
> Thanks
>
> Tim
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>


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Bob Spidell           San Jose, CA            bspidell at comcast.net

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