Caution! Re- Battery Back Up Post!

[Canada_Dry]

Due to some of the Emails I have been getting and by reading a few replies it has come to my attention that many of you are treading dangerously with your own do it your self plans.
I have gotten Emails with people saying they are going to use car batteries and marine batteries to run there system!!

NEVER USE CAR BATTERIES OR MARINE DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES TO POWER A UPS OR PUMP SYSTEM NEAR SALT WATER!

A word of caution: Lead-acid batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is a highly corrosive poison and will produce gasses when recharged and explode if ignited. This will hurt you--BAD! When working with batteries, you need to have plenty of ventilation, remove your jewelry, wear protective eyewear (safety glasses) and clothing, and exercise caution. DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY ELECTROLYTE TO MIX WITH SALT WATER! Even small quantities of this combination will produce chlorine gas that can KILL you!

Why do you think that you don't see car batteries and marine deep cycle batteries in UPS systems? You would think they would be perfect due to there low cost and high amp out put. There is one simple reason you don't see them used in UPS systems...SAFETY! due to explosive and poison gases.

Only use sealed gel cell type lead acid batteries, the type used for security lighting and alarm systems, they are totally sealed and leak proof never use a standard deep cycle marine or car battery!

before you attempt to make a do it your self backup system, you should have a very good understanding of electronics, and lead acid battery theory. If you have never taken a electronics course I would advise extreme caution when working with lead acid batteries around salt water.


Canada_dry

 

[StirCrazy]

Canada Dry, "deep cycle marine" sold for use in boats .. even boats that go in the ocean, we use them in anything from a RHIB to the main bateries for diesel start packs. Having said that I have has a car bater explode on me because some jacka$$ hooked up the jumper cables wrong and I didn't notice...(good thing I was at a lake and as soon as I was covered in asid I jumped in the water)

As Stated, the act of charging a batery produces flamable gasses (maby not the best thing to have inside your house) so it would be best to keep your batery back up in a well ventalated area ware no one will be smoking.

I think it would be ok if you kept your batery pack outside and used some commen sence when working on it. I have 2 industreal 6V's I have been thinking of playing with.. they should be able to power my whole tank for 24 hours

Steve

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

There are 6,500 members of this board. There's one thread on this topic, so it's not "many of you" at all. This "reply" would be better atached to the relevant thread.

 

[Rich-n-poor]

I think it is of serious enough issue to warrant its own thread.......

Not only is it a bad idea but it is also against the law and housing codes in almost all parts of the country.

Using a car battery or deep-cycle battery for back up power requires that either it be in a self contained detached structure and/or a room directly vented to the outside.

This is the law in most localities

_________________
Dodge Vehicles

 

[Canada_Dry]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by StirCrazy:
<strong>Canada Dry, "deep cycle marine" sold for use in boats .. even boats that go in the ocean, we use them in anything from a RHIB to the main bateries for diesel start packs. Having said that I have has a car bater explode on me because some jacka$$ hooked up the jumper cables wrong and I didn't notice...(good thing I was at a lake and as soon as I was covered in asid I jumped in the water)

As Stated, the act of charging a batery produces flamable gasses (maby not the best thing to have inside your house) so it would be best to keep your batery back up in a well ventalated area ware no one will be smoking.

I think it would be ok if you kept your batery pack outside and used some commen sence when working on it. I have 2 industreal 6V's I have been thinking of playing with.. they should be able to power my whole tank for 24 hours

Steve</strong><hr></blockquote>

That is true but by law the battery in a boat must be vented to fresh air or have a blower installed. Most are in a open air enviroment, not a closed in one such as a house or tank stand.

[ February 23, 2002: Message edited by: Canada_Dry ]</p>

 

[Canada_Dry]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by AnotherGoldenTeapot:
<strong>There are 6,500 members of this board. There's one thread on this topic, so it's not "many of you" at all. This "reply" would be better atached to the relevant thread.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I thought it was inportant to post it here as i have had about 15 emails with some pretty dangerous ideas, just trying to help. if you dont think it is a concerne that fellow reefers should know, thats your prob...blow your self up no sweat of my but.

 

[KanUCme]

I work for CSK, which is Kragen, Checker, or Shucks depending on where you live. We sell Exide Orbital batteries. They come in the standard automotive, marine starting, and marine deep cycle. These are gel batteries that can be mounted in any postion. I don't know exactly how you would use the 12v car battery to power 120v appliances, but these batteries are very costly, they will run you about $130+tax. Just incase you wanted to try to use one of those.

 

[fishfarmer]

Thanks for the warning. Are the gel batteries a safer alternative?

 

[Canada_Dry]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by fishfarmer:
<strong>Thanks for the warning. Are the gel batteries a safer alternative?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Most good quality sealed gel batteries of the deep cycle type, are safe to use for this type of project, as KanUCme pointed out in his post, a good quality gel batteries can be mounted in any postion and are leak=proof. Even if you could find a good car battery in a sealed gel type, it is still a poor choice, as car batteries are designed for intermittent high current use, and would not last long in a standby system.

Canada_Dry

 

[Ralph1]

Hi Canada_ Dry
Thank You for your concern of other reefers.I think safety is very important, life is dangerous enough without taking chances!