Battery Ventilation

[18rabbit]

Everything I have read about marine electronics says the batteries need ventilation, but not how much. So … how much ventilation is necessary for wet batteries? I know they off-gas hydrogen during normal use and much more so during equalization, but how much? We plan to drop 4 batteries, 6-volt, 315 A/hr each, into a box under the floor. Hydrogen rises (think Hindenburg) so will the hydrogen harmlessly work its way out of there? I have seen some black plastic battery boxes with no ventilation at all. Is this even an issue? Thanks! -joe

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Battery Ventilation

If you store the batteries in a room by themselves (not engine compartment or other 'spark-risc' room) you only need to allow the fumes to get out. A non-restricted passway should do fine. Some batteries (maintenenance free or low maint.) comes with a small breathe-hose and in this case you just have to run the hose out.<br /><br />Mechanical ventilation (fan) would be overkill, IMHO.