Battery Charging/Health Concerns ?

[wind_magic]

Any health concerns with locating batteries really close to where you sleep ? As far as I know charging batteries just creates Hydrogen gas, but I don't really know that much about it, maybe they vent small amounts of lead too. The risk of battery explosion seems very slight if the batteries are well ventilated, which they would be. Any thoughts ? This location I am thinking of is very convenient, but I could find another location that is less convenient if I think it's worth the effort.

[Valiente]

Don't drink the electrolyte, don't eat the plates and don't lift the damn things if you've got back trouble. Other than that, simply fit them with properly sized cables and lugs, clean them and water them as needed, and put them in a proper battery box. They are generally safe devices. Keeping them away from direct engine heat is a good idea...they want to be cool.

Now, if the "very convenient" location you have in mind is directly above your sleeping head, I revoke my previous statement.

[RAGTIMEDON]

There is no measurable amount of lead emitted from charging batteries. I have had 5 schedule 27's under my bunk for 5 years now, and it doesn't bother me. The hydrogen gas which is emitted is explosive, but it is very light and drifts upward into the atmosphere rapidly unless it is confined. If your boat is totally airtight, you are more likely to suffocate than to have your battery explode.

[sailingdog]

Of course RagtimeDon doesn't tell you that he's got a functional IQ of 12... No, there really isn't much danger from even charging batteries, unless of course you smoke. If you smoke above the charging batteries... you can have a problem.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

No, there really isn't much danger from even charging batteries, unless of course you smoke. If you smoke above the charging batteries... you can have a problem.

More precisely: In the lighting of said smokes. You might get a somewhat greater "flame" from that lighter than you anticipated

Jim

[SimonV]

It could save on shaving, or waxing

[SoOkay]

Ok, I'll disagree. Unless we're leaving early the next AM and are in real need of a charge while we sleep, we do not charge batteries at night. We used to until the night one decided to boil away its usefulness. By the time the smell woke us up we felt pretty bad.

Our two banks are directly under our pillows, but it will be no different as long as long as we share a room with them.