Ventilation for batteries in bay storage

[OB-One]

Originally Posted by chboone

At the bottom of the link to Lifeline AGM batteries there is a note to "Never install batteries in an unventilated compartment or a sealed compartment or sealed container".
I believe the reason for that statement is from this on their web site.
"Lifeline provides safety even during severe overcharging as the batteries produce less than 2% hydrogen gas by volume (4.1% is required for flammability in air)."

Lifeline Batteries - Marine & RV Deep Cycle Batteries

Don't know where this 2% number came from, but it's wrong. Lifeline's, like any other lead-acid battery can generate significant amounts of hydrogen under the right conditions.

[wa8yxm]

Normally.... I would say replacing 12 volt pairs with 6 volt pairs is an upgrade, but in the gase of Group 31's you went from 260 Amp hours to around 220..

That said, the Six volt are DEEP CYCLE (you can use 110 of those amp hours) but the G-31's may have been Marine/Deep cycle (you can't use that much).


Ventalation: If you put in maintenance free, then like the more expensive AGM they are very low gassing.. Here is what I did.

I cut a large hole (just under 4" as I recall, or perhaps 4", largest hole saw I had) in the back of the compartment,, I drilled 4 bolt holes (quarter inch) around it at the 4 points (N.E. S.W. N.W. S.E) and installed LONG bolts with nuts and washers.

I slipped a common automotive air filter (ring type) over that

And a piece of plywood backes that up and closes off the top of the filter (like the lid on the air cleaner on the car) 3 more nuts (NYLOCK) with washers hold the plywood in place.

In the side I cut another hole, same size, slid a 2nd filter in to the gap between two compartments (Self sealing) and bolted a Computer fan in place. A thermostat controls the fan, blowing out

The filters keep road dirt and insects away from the compartment The placement of them avoids road spray but you can shield if you feel the need.

How well does it work?

There are 10 year old electroincs sharing that compartment,, So you tell me.

[chboone]

Originally Posted by OB-One

Don't know where this 2% number came from, but it's wrong. Lifeline's, like any other lead-acid battery can generate significant amounts of hydrogen under the right conditions.

Came from Lifeline's web site