BroJack wrote:
On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 19:18:58 GMT, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:
BroJack wrote:
They replaced the charger that was overcharging, making the dual
lead-acid batteries release hydrogen. So far, the CO sensor is not
registering any H2 with the new charger.
Here's the problem: The guy who installed the new charger said
that as long as there is no H2 registering, keep the charger
plugged-in, even after the green light is lit (full charge).
However, the manufacturer's instructions say: "At green light,
keep charging for a couple of hours for complete charging. When
charging finished (Green LED), disconnect from mains and remove
clips from battery. Charging can continue in 'float stage'
without harming the battery."
What does all this mean? Do I disconnect, or not?
Thanks,
Jack
It means follow the advice of the guy who installed it.
Otherwise you will need to remember to hook it back up from time to
time and I am sure you will forget the three months prior to
needing it. The "Charging can continue in 'float stage' without
harming the battery." Means you can leave it on without damage.
It will use a little power on standby however.
Thanks, Joseph, just one more thing.
The thought of a battery fire or hydrogen saturation is terrifying.
Would it harm the system if I just "topped it off" a couple of hours
per day, every day or every other day, and kept the plug pulled the
rest of the time?
Jack
Jack,
Dont fret about the hydrogen saturation problem. The buoyancy and
atomic size of hydrogen make it very, very unlikely to cause a
dangerous hydrogen content in your basement. During excessive charging
you will have a small excess of hydrogen gas very near the terminals on
your battery, so be careful about hooking up the charging leads, but
other than there is no worry about the furnace or hot water heater
lighting off hydrogen in the basement. Most trickle chargers operate
at 13.2volts / 1.5amps. The mere milliliters per minute of generated
hydrogen are not a cause to plug and unplug your charger, although if
you are really concerned just put the charger on a timer and forget
about it. Just check your water level from time to time and add a bit
of distilled water if neccessary. AS long as you keep your battery
topped off with water you will not damage it with trickle charging.
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