On Sun, 11 Sep 2005 21:34:18 -0700, "william_b_noble"
wrote:

for what it's worth, my understanding was that the dischage when placed on
concrete (or metal) related to the early automotive batteries with hard
rubber cases (not bakelite), because the cases had carbon black as the
darkening agent and were thus slightly conductive. I understand that with
modern poly-plastic cases this is no longer the case.


Theoretically you are right - but I STILL won't store batteries on the
concrete floor. Mine are always either in a plastic case or on a block
of wood or both. The only batteries that have gone dud on me while
sitting were sitting on concrete. Not saying that caused it - but I
don't take chances any more.