Battery equalizing practical advice wanted

[SHutson]

I will be doing a first-time equalizing of my 4, 6v house batteries soon using my Heart Freedom inverter's "equalize" mode on 50A shore power. I intend to disconnect the chassis and house 12v systems with the battery switches at the power panel.

1) Since I will be hooked up to shore power, will there be power in the coach while equalizing?
2) Will there be any fumes or dangerous gasses in the coach while equalizing if I keep the battery side door open and windows closed?
3) Will any fumes generated be an annoyance to my neighbors in the campground (spacious State Park campground)?



TIA

[twinboat]

1 ) yes, 120 volt power. No 12 volt power. May loose air conditioner Tstat power, fridge conrtol power and 12 volt lights.

2 ) a light breeze should be enough to blow away the fumes. Could use a small fan blowing into the compartment. Don't put a fan in over the batteries unless its explosion proof.

3 ) Unless your batteries are bad and get so hot that they are vigorously boiling and dry out, your not going to annoy the neighbors.

Clean and tighten every connection before running the EQ routine. Any sparks will do bad things.

Once done, let them cool, wash them down and top off the water.

[KanzKran]

The hydrogen gas that's liberated is about half the density of helium, which in turn is already way less dense than air (at the same temperature and pressure), and therefore hydrogen will rise and dissipate very rapidly like helium will. Just make sure there are no ignition sources in the battery compartment and that air can circulate freely.

[marjoa]

Originally Posted by SHutson

I will be doing a first-time equalizing of my 4, 6v house batteries

I don't know if your batteries are Trojans or not, but if so, and since this is your first time, I thought this attachment may be of interest to you. Scroll down to the "Equalizing" Section.

[SHutson]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll check back with my observations in a couple of days.

[SHutson]

Well, I equalized the batteries for 5.5 hours. The fumes were not noticeable unless I put my head right in the bay.



During the equalization the specific gravity on two of the batteries never got into the "good" range of my tester. I drove it straight back to storage and turned off the batteries. Two days later the voltage reads from 6.22, 6.26, 6.27 & 6.22. Which is a 75% to 85% charge. I would have expected them to hold the charge better.

[wildmanbaker]

I'm not sure the 5.5 hours is enough for a complete equalization of the batteries. It should run for at least 24 hours, or until the specific gravity of the cells no longer increases for 4 hours. You might be better off with a separate battery charger the has a equalization mode built in. Depending on how much we boondock, I equalize at least 2 times a year. I disconnect the batteries from the MH, because the voltage goes above 16 volts, and some of the electronics may not like that high of a voltage.

[SHutson]

I knew 5.5 hours is not as long as is suggested. I was apprehensive about equalizing while we slept with our heads right above the battery bank. I started it first thing in the morning and ran it until we had to check out. Next time I'm going to be hooked up for a longer period, I will give it another go.

[96 Wideglide]

Suggested by who?

Interstate, suggests their 6V golf cart batteries only be equalized for 2 hours!

[NHRA225]

I cook mine for 8 hours every 90 days - I leave the door open - last set lasted 9 years !

[MRUSA14]

Depending on how far gone your batteries are, equalizing may not help. It’s not magic.