Quote:
Originally Posted by P-Nut
I'm not a battery expert but isn't there a risk of explosion fire to constant charging due to gasses that are produced in these types of batteries?
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There is that risk with all lead acid batteries. The gas produced (Browns Gas) is extremely explosive - a perfect mix of oxygen and hydrogen, ready to to combine to water. An additional risk is that of the exploding battery spraying its acid around the area - it just needs a tiny spark.
If any (one or more) cell is gassing, it suggests the battery needs to be replaced. It indicates that the heavily gassing cells are faulty. Once off charge and a brief load applied, the voltage will decline rapidly. Once left for any length of time in a discharged state, the battery will be unlikely to recover.
I have many lead acid batteries and I have ruined a few in the past, relying on 'maintenance chargers' connected long term. My regime now is to connect them for sufficient time to fully charge a low battery, but never longer than 48 hours. I then give each a boost charge every 2 or 3 months.
I have my caravan on 240v, in the drive, with its 13.8v on. I used to leave the battery connected to the 13.8v to keep it maintained, but lost several sealed batteries due to them drying out. Now my regime is one of not leaving them connected, my present 110ah battery is good as new five years down the line.