Batteries Don't Explode

[DownWest]

I found this thread distinctly alarming. How best to avoid this happening? Are some batteries safer?

Makes me wonder about wearing safety glasses when near batteries.

Had an odd one years ago. Viva van, knew it from new and on a cold day we had to jump start the genset at the airfield (no mains power) used the van battery and one other with fencing wire. Bit of a bang and the plugs blew out of the battery, spraying some acid about. We were puzzled, as the polarity was correct, then found it wasn't. Seems the van had been reversed polarity it's whole life (generator, not alternator) Good one from Vauxhall....

 

[pyrojames]

Look at the photo, the flush filler plugs are clearly visible by the handles, normally hidden under the label.

I had an outwardly matching battery in my Jag. There was no label over the plugs. Ther would need to be two labels, otherwise the carry handles would be obstructed.

 

[RichardS]

Look at the photo, the flush filler plugs are clearly visible by the handles, normally hidden under the label.

I don't understand the significance of "flush filler plugs". Many non-sealed batteries have flush filler plugs these days,

Richard

 

[pvb]

I found this thread distinctly alarming. How best to avoid this happening? Are some batteries safer?

Yes, AGMs are much safer, as I suggested in post 28. They have a much lower risk of exploding than flooded lead-acid batteries. AGMs can, however, in fairly rare circumstances generate excessive heat - a process called thermal runaway.

LiFePo4 batteries are even safer, but have cost and charging issues at the moment.

 

[Bilgediver]

Hmmm, wiring like a rat's nest, I'm not surprised they had a problem!

No rat would nest in that. It is just misguided spagetti.

 

[Bilgediver]

Look at the photo, the flush filler plugs are clearly visible by the handles, normally hidden under the label.

Definitely. I wonder when the fluid level was last checked.

 

[penberth3]

Makes me wonder about wearing safety glasses when near batteries.....

You should, simple.

 

[Homer J]

Seems to make sense. Glad I have AGMs

 

[catlotion]

View attachment 118131

View attachment 118132

Not mine, thankfully. Certainly made a bit of a noise when they went.

Eek I've just bought some of those. Any idea why they went bang?

 

[RIBW]

Whilst we are on the subject - from 2016 - how to explode a 'Lithium' battery

Cheers
Bob

 

[Poey50]

Whilst we are on the subject - from 2016 - how to explode a 'Lithium' battery

Cheers
Bob

That's lithium cobalt oxide. Lithium ion is a family of different chemistries. Of these, lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP for short) is the most stable thermodynamically as this somewhat dull but factual test shows. That is not to say that LFP is completely safe, as you sometimes read. Physical puncturing of a cell can release a toxic - although non-flamable - gas. Given the high energy density and a low internal resistance, a dead short releases very high current which can arc across a gap blown in the more usual main fuses used in marine lead acid installations, hence the recommendation of a Class T main fuse.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Is the risk with sealed batteries lower?

 

[adwuk]

Is the risk with sealed batteries lower?

The Exide Dual's in post #21 were sealed. I recognised them as that is what we have installed. That said, you can remove the cover and top them up if necessary.

 

[dankilb]

That's lithium cobalt oxide. Lithium ion is a family of different chemistries. Of these, lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP for short) is the most stable thermodynamically as this somewhat dull but factual test shows. That is not to say that LFP is completely safe, as you sometimes read. Physical puncturing of a cell can release a toxic - although non-flamable - gas. Given the high energy density and a low internal resistance, a dead short releases very high current which can arc across a gap blown in the more usual main fuses used in marine lead acid installations, hence the recommendation of a Class T main fuse.

Very reassuring - thanks! Based on your very informative thread, we're already viewing our current set of (new-ish) AGMs as the last we'll own before moving to LiFePO4 longer term.

 

[Poey50]

Very reassuring - thanks! Based on your very informative thread, we're already viewing our current set of (new-ish) AGMs as the last we'll own before moving to LiFePO4 longer term.

Good luck with that and do add to that thread as you go. ?

 

[penberth3]

Is the risk with sealed batteries lower?

No. "Sealed" batteries have a gas vent,