Do I need to worry about sparks or explosion? Or can I use an open mount with cables exposed?
2006-10-26 17:51:46 · 10 answers · asked by Paul P 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
+ There are several things that a batttery box will do that make it better and safer. (however it is not mandatory on most small craft ( I think this means 16 feet and under) if you are willing to take the risks)
1. Water flooding the batteries will soon render them useless
2. Batteries when charging create Hydrogen gas that is expolsive(this is a reason to have them vented)
3. The motion of a vessel just sitting in the water let alone will stress and strain the cables, this is amplified when you are underway.
4. a box will prevent accidental touching by people or metal obrects that can short and spark
5. a box will contain any battery material that might spill.
6. a box will secure the batteries from becoming missile hazards in really rough seas, and keep them from pounding a hole through the hull of your boat.
That is a start of the reasons why to get one.
Here are some reasons to have them open with just the cables attached:
1. I am always having to get a better connection to get my boat to start (get a better system)
2. I am always hooking up special equipment and have no fuse panel (get a fuse panel "possibly attached to the box")
3. I have two batteries and only one set of cables so I switch back and forth (you figure this one out)
4. They are open to the air so the Hydrogen produced when they auto charge as I run my boat will blow away. (I'll give you this one)
5. They are so heavy that they won't move and my boat never rocks and rolls, and I will never ever run into anything or anyone will ever run into me, and my boat is soooo stable that it will never flip over. (good luck and get a box)
GOOD LUCK, (you make your own choice)
2006-10-30 13:53:44 · answer #1 · answered by Clamdigger 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There are two important things to consider. If you place them in individual boxes with closed lids that's fine providing they are strapped down and the terminals are tight and sprayed with corrosion block. The other is the location? Batteries emit sulphide gases which is a corrosion problem on its own. Make sure whichever method you use that the location of the batteries has good ventilation which will help prevent gases entering the bilge area causing further corrosion over a period of time. In a box or not is OK but strapping them down is important as the movement of the boat will eventually loosen the terminal connections.
2006-10-27 11:25:38 · answer #2 · answered by Mike D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as the other responders said, yes, you should worry about sparks and explosions, ESPECIALLY if you have a gas engine....one cup of vaporized gas is 4 sticks of TNT........they should be in a box..either made for purpose or epoxy fiberglass cause
batteries will leak acid if overcharged
they will leak acid if the caps aren't tight and there excessive heeling
its easier to well a secure a box than just a battery..
and most importantly, a box with a top prevents BAD THINGS from happening if you drop a tool across the exposed terminals
2006-10-27 09:21:57 · answer #3 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a Boat, I would Recommend that the Battery be in a Closed Box. A fuel Leak and a Spark do NOT mix , Especially in a Boat !
2006-10-27 00:58:24 · answer #4 · answered by Gordon B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boat batteries do not have to be in a box, but they should be. Sometimes batteries give off hydrogen sulfide gas. Also sparks would be bad in the engine area. Be careful all wires are clear and not pinched. We had a fire start because a wire got pinched. Fortunately we extinguished it quickly.
2006-10-27 08:15:27 · answer #5 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on if it's in a closed engine compartment, like an inboard/outboard IO.
The safe way is to buy GIL Mounting brackets, so it's fixed to the boat and grounded to the engine properly.
2006-10-27 01:07:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can mount it in the open but it will be open to contamination and corrosive environments.
Mounting in a box is okay too as long as there is a vent that goes away from ignition sources and a drain hole.
2006-10-27 00:57:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Batteries can be in open air if straped down..and if you go with a box it needs to be vented because the batteries need to breath due to temp changes
2006-10-28 13:09:23 · answer #8 · answered by tabloms 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should be in a vented box, because of risk of sparks, and for corrosive reasons. if you have to keep out in the open then you should coat your terminals with some "alot" of vasaline
2006-10-27 14:33:54 · answer #9 · answered by the1much 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a box, it's cheap, and it's safer !
2006-10-29 01:26:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋