Battery Charging
Submitted: Monday, May 22, 2006 at 20:04
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Wiskers
I had to go away for a few days and when I came
home the wife had the Battery Charger connected up to charge a flat battery in her car. There nothing unusual about that, but she left all the caps on the battery and still connected to the leads, mounted in the engine bay. She did have the bonnet raised.
It's not the way I would charge the battery, but the question I, I pose is it going to cause a problem with the car electrics...Nissan pulsar.
Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, May 22, 2006 at 20:29
Monday, May 22, 2006 at 20:29
Hi Wiskers
There will be no damage to the car or the electrics.
What size is the charger ?
A small charger will not cause enough gas to cause a problem with the battery and the vented caps will handle the gases.
Just check the levels and make sure there is water in the battery.
Don't charge a battery if the plates are exposed.
Regards Derek.
AnswerID:
174058
Follow Up By: Wiskers - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 06:04
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 06:04
Derek
It's only a 10.0 v Battery Charger. The good news is she has the battery back to full charge after leaving it on the charger for over a day and then going for a lengthy drive.
With thanks
Wiskers
FollowupID:
430104
Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 09:53
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 09:53
Good to hear.
I would say its a 10 Amp unit.
FollowupID:
430143
Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 11:06
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 11:06
Why would you ever need to remove the caps other than to check the electrolyte level?
We don't drive around with the caps off when the alternator is putting in 30 or 40 amps!
FollowupID:
430170
Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 13:31
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 13:31
Shaker - finally someone with sense re the caps. I'm always bemused by those who insist they must be removed.
FollowupID:
430227
Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, May 29, 2006 at 21:02
Monday, May 29, 2006 at 21:02
I remove the caps only when charging a stationary battery. You need to let the gas dissipate especially when connecting and disconnecting battery clips. The idea is to check the water level and then charge the battery. When driving the car there is enough air flow to prevent a gas build up and explosion.
The vents on the caps could act like a jet and blow a fine steam of hydrogen gas onto the battery clip you are about to disconnect.
I have seen damage caused by batteries that have exploded in a car and I don't want to be near one when they do.
Regards Derek.
FollowupID:
431560
Reply By: Max - Sydney - Monday, May 22, 2006 at 20:35
Monday, May 22, 2006 at 20:35
I am impressed! Many women would not try to set up a charger at all - just ring NRMA and present you with the bill for a new battery!
Good on her.
Max
AnswerID:
174061