battery vapors???

[phildcamp]

Do regular wet cell batteries release any vapors while being charged with a battery charger? I'm concerned it may be hazardous to my health to be around charging batteries especialy when the cells really start to "bubble." im not sure if this is the best place to post this? maybe i need some redirection.

[HeavyJ]

lead acid batteries give off hydrogen gas as they are being charged, whether by a charger or the cars charging system. just make sure if you are charging with a charger or jumper cables, no open flames or sparks and plenty of ventilation, which is usually not a problem with the hood up and as long as your not hanging over the battery or covering it up.

[phildcamp]

darn! i wonder about dry cell batteries? seems like no vapors could be released from them because they are sealed. Im using an AC/DC power supply, battery, and a 1 farad capacitor as a power source so i can use auto sound electronics for my home stereo. much like what you would find in an auto sound demo room at a car audio shop. so i need a battery that can be safely used in my living area. sound extreme, but it actually cost a lot less to go this route.

[UncleBob]

for starters, batteries don't put off much gas at "reasonable" voltage levels/heat. Its when the heat/voltage goes high that they start to get pretty gassy.

Dry cells DO vent. Its a little bit of a false advertisement when they suggest they don't. The vent much less, no doubt, but they are still allowed to vent to prevent them from exploding. They think thats some kind of safety priority.....whatever

Assuming your charging system is intelligent, assuming your battery capacity is well selected for your load, you won't have a problem IMO, wet or dry

[beef_bourito]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

Assuming your charging system is intelligent, assuming your battery capacity is well selected for your load, you won't have a problem IMO, wet or dry

+1, if your wiring is good enough that there aren't any sparks jumping (I highly doubt there will be any sparks at such a low voltage unless you really screwed something up) you should be fine. even if you somehow screwed something up enough that you've got sparks flying, the bateries don't vent much hydrogen, most of it will probably get blown away from air currents in your house anyways.

[phildcamp]

thanks guys. i guess im just gonna go to a few car audio shops and double check what they use. maybe a regular old 12 volt battery (like the one i already have) will be just fine. i doubt my house will go up like the Hindenburg!!!