Battery charger

[BoxsterJohn]

This may seem a simple question but .......I have just purchased a Charge O Mat in order to avoid another flat battery. It says it should be used with good ventilation. My boxster is in a car port with a cover over it. Is it OK to use in these conditions?
Thanks
John

 

[spyderman]

I guess they're concerned about the buildup of chlorine gas (edit: chlorine - where did I get that from? - I did 'O'-level chemistry! Read [link=http://www.bigginhill.co.uk/batteries.htm]this page[/link] for information on the chemistry behind lead-acid batteries.) from the battery acid. Or perhaps they just mean that the charger itself is going to get warm in use and shouldn't be shut away in your glove box!

 

[bryno]

When batteries are charging at a rate supplied by most chargers especially on "Boost" charge they produce Hydrogen (If you have the cell covers off that's the gas in the bubbles and you should always charge a battery with the cell covers off. I presume that BoxsterJohn's charger is of the "intelligent" type) with a vehicle moving any hydrogen generated is less of an issue as it's dispersed by airflow. There are fatalities evey year in the UK involving lead acid batteries in indutrial applications. Explosions involving lead acid batteries in vehicles are not uncommon usually due to sparks and hydrogen in air reaching a concentration enough for an explosive/inflammable mix. All lead acid batteries on "Charge" should be well ventilated. Batteries being "maintained" with "intelligent" chargers will charge at a rate of milliamps and are unlikely to produce much hydrogen but that doesn't mean no hydrogen will be produced. Safety tip for anyone using any type of charger on a lead acid battery is to not attach/detatch croc clips with the charger switched on, also taking care when disconnecting batteries to remove the earth on the battery last and when connecting to attach the earth first. Sparks and hydrogen can cause a nasty bang and the potential to cover yourself in sulphuric acid so please take care with lead acid batteries they are potentially lethal. I would also recommend that only "intelligent" chargers supplying milliamps of charge are left connected to batteries for extended periods and that conventional chargers with a boost/float facility are only connected to batteries for short periods of time and preferably with the battery out of the car in a well ventilated space (draughty garage ideal!)[]

 

[browser]

Personally I am unfamiliar with the charger, however if it is just a trickle charger, it should be ok PROVIDING , you are TOTALLY SURE there are NO issues at all with getting anything connected ie Electricial & Connections WET - I hate to be POLITICALLY CORRECT, BUT to PLAY SAFE I would get an electrician to just check out first,that way you can complete safely .... I use a Trickle charger in my garage and daily check its working ok, Remember anytime you get into the vehicle and then get out , you might need to disconnect terminals and re fit otherwise you might get a red light on your charger and it will not charge up - ( don't ask me why but its an important point to check you light or lights are green and or amber on the trickle charger ) when working correctly.

 

[ianfiat]

Re chlorine You've got that from old submarine films- if you get sea water into a battery chlorine gas is formed.

 

[spyderman]

'tis true - whenever I floor the accelerator, I always shout "all ahead, flank"!

 

[BoxsterJohn]

Thanks for the advice. Its plug in and play time. If you see a mushroom cloud over Kent it will be chlorine gas!!!John

 

[berty987]

The hydrogen is normally only given off when the battery is new or at the end of its life. The gas is created by excess heat in the battery caused by sulphated cells. If the battery is the sealed type and in good order the low charge rate and electronic protection in the charger should prevent any significant gas being produced. If you dont fancy paying porsche prices, get the CTEK 3600Xs unit from e bay or costco for about 40 pounds. It is exactly the same unit that porsche sell as the charge o mat for about 100 !!

 

[kitchens]

I have the CTEC one ..but was in Lidel the other day and bought what looks the same idea a trickle or full charge for £13 and it comes with a 5 yr guarantee also bought a 2 ton jack for £13 and exstendable wheel brace for £4 not bad value Ideal as the 987 does not come with a jack handy for use in the garage

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: spyderman 'tis true - whenever I floor the accelerator, I always shout "all ahead, flank"!

Sind Sie Auto von Detroit, da wir nie das im Kriegsmarine sagen?

 

[BartyB]

ORIGINAL: spyderman 'tis true - whenever I floor the accelerator, I always shout "all ahead, flank"!

BTW, who's this Frank bloke? []