Connection of new batteries to house bank - best method to avoid current surge?

When you do connect the new batteries, just make sure you connect the negatives to the negatives and the positives to the positives. (Not as easy to do than you might think in a dark locker/under bunk location in a boat).


Don't ask me how I know this......................:eek::eek::eek:
 
Wouldn't charging the house batteries prior to connecting the new ones actually increase the presence of gases and exacerbate the (barely existent) risk that some are worried about? No warnings have been added to ensure these dissipate before connection!

Its just analogous to jump leads as others have said. Simples.
 
Rhoda Rose said:
If I may digress just a little. I replaced my two 120amp hr house batteries last year.

I think by far the biggest risk is carrying the damm things across a car park, down a ramp and along the pontoon. Nearly pulled my arms out. I will not even mention getting them on board and down into the box in the saloon then lugging the old ones back to the car :-)
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An excellent point - a younger man kindly helped me get a 120Ah battery aboard last summer, but the controlled lowering into the battery compartment whilst lying in the quarter berth taxed my arms to their limits.
 
chewi said:
Wouldn't charging the house batteries prior to connecting the new ones actually increase the presence of gases and exacerbate the (barely existent) risk that some are worried about? No warnings have been added to ensure these dissipate before connection!

Its just analogous to jump leads as others have said. Simples.
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I did suggest charging and letting the gas disperse.
 
I do love it when this old favourite comes up every few months, if the hundreds of amps supporters are to be believed we are all off to hell in a handcart! In reality of course only relatively small amounts of current flows for all the sound technical reasons others have given. From a H&S point of view lugging the damn things about is probably the biggest hazard. Also be 100% sure you have neg/pos right way round - now that will result in big currents and ruin your day !
 
Pinnacle and Dickie T quite rightly warn of getting the polarity correct.

Top tip: a candle will help in these dark spaces and avoids the potential of a dangerous spark from turning a torch on and off :encouragement:
 
After starting to read this thread (anything to avoid prepping the camper for the weekend)
I've popped out to the garage and paralleled up some spare batteries to check current flow.
Results ranged from .2A to .02A
 
NickRobinson said:
After starting to read this thread (anything to avoid prepping the camper for the weekend)
I've popped out to the garage and paralleled up some spare batteries to check current flow.
Results ranged from .2A to .02A
Click to expand...

Wow that's a huge current I don't even want to think how many fA (femto amps) involved, sounds lethal (sweet).:D:D:D
 
Im in hospital bored out of my brains ( not serious) and reading Wandering stars comment has made me laugh so much I've pulled my back again....I loved it. Ta
 
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