My articles on car battery chargers like the CTEK MXS range, or the Noco Genius battery chargers have gotten quite popular. So, I thought I’d drop an article on safety precautions for charging car batteries. I’ll attach it as a link from those articles. Charging a car battery is generally safe as long as you follow good practice and know the danger signs.
First of all – read the manuals. Both for the charger, and for your car/motorcycle. They are there for a reason. The rest of this is for information only. If you are unsure then consult or employ a professional.
Looking for a decent battery charger? Try this.
These are the key potential dangers to be aware of:
- Explosion or fire: Car batteries can release hydrogen gas, which is flammable. If a spark or open flame ignites the gas while the battery is being charged, it can cause an explosion or fire. To prevent this, make sure to charge the battery in a well-ventilated area, and never charge a damaged battery or one that is leaking acid.
- Acid burns: Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can cause serious burns if it comes into contact with your skin. To protect yourself, wear gloves and eye protection when handling the battery.
- Electrical shock: Charging a car battery involves working with electrical currents, which can be dangerous if you are not careful. To avoid electrical shock, always use caution when handling the battery and the charging equipment, and make sure the charging area is dry.
- Overcharging: If a car battery is overcharged, it can be damaged, leak dangerous chemicals or gas, or even explode. To prevent overcharging, use a charger that has a built-in overcharge protection feature, and never leave the battery unattended while it is charging.
- Electrical fires: depending on how you charge the battery, there can be a risk of electrical fire. High currents pared with underrated or incorrectly wired cables can create very high temperatures (think of an old fashioned incandescent light bulb, or the heating element in an oven.).
In summary, as long as you take proper safety precautions and use the correct equipment, charging a car battery, such as EFB, AGM or Calcium – should be quite safe. Check all components and systems for damage or wear. Make sure wires are connected as directed. Don’t charge in an unventilated garage. If your garage is attached to, or under your home, then don’t charge unattended or at night.
Oh – make sure you use a decent charger with built-in safety features. See a review here.
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