Battery Myths
There was a something on storing batteries a while back. Here is some info
from the Internet.
Wayne
14. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MYTHS
ABOUT BATTERIES?
A. Storing batteries on a concrete floor
will discharge them.
Modern lead acid battery cases are better sealed, so external leakage
causing discharge is no longer a problem. [Temperature stratification
within large batteries can accelerate the internal "leakage" or self
discharge if the battery is sitting on an extremely cold floor in a
warm room or installed in a submarine.]
B. A battery will not explode.
While spark retarding vent caps help, recharging a battery produces
hydrogen and oxygen gasses and explosions can occur. They can also
occur when the electrolyte level is below the top of the plates. If a
spark or flame occurs, an explosion can occur. When this happens,
thoroughly wash the engine compartment with a solution of 50% baking
soda and water to neutralize the battery acid. Then thoroughly rewash
the engine compartment with water. Periodic preventive maintenance
and working on batteries in well ventilated areas can reduce the
possibility of battery explosions.
C. A battery will not lose it's charge sitting in storage.
A battery has self-discharge or internal electrochemical "leakage"
that will cause it to become fully discharged and sulfated over time.
Prior to storing a battery, it should be fully charged, placed in a
cool location above 10 degrees F, and recharged when it reaches the
80% state-of-charge level or once every two months, whichever occurs
first. If left in a vehicle, disconnect the negative cable to reduce
the level of discharge.
And here is an addional item from Peter Zimbelman RR3, Bos 224N
Robbinsville, NC 28771 (in the steep part of the Smokies)
peterz@graham.main.nc.us
Having been involved with offshore battery installations I think the
following is one of the most important items on lead-acid batteries: SHAKE
THE BATTERY! This effervesces the bubbles from the plates, eliminating more
than 50% of sulfation, even if you don't have the ability to recharge it at
the time. If it is on the floor, simply rocking it back and forward will
suffice. When we began to install vibrators on our battery banks, life
tripled at the least!
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