Shocking Discovery. . .

[pvcces]

Hi, RJ.

I'm sure that you know that lead acid batteries produce gas when overcharged. That gas is a perfect mixture for ignition. If the slightest spark occurs inside the battery, the mixture explodes violently. This why safety caps are used.

Since most sparks occur during discharges, gas production is very low UNLESS the battery is agressively overcharged.

Since batteries in a hot environment have lower voltage between the posts, a charger set to a fixed voltage can easily overcharge a battery. When the battery is overcharged, it gets rid of that energy as heat, unless the charger output voltage is reduced enough to prevent heating.

This makes a temperature compensating regulator a must.

In cold weather, the situation is reversed and the batteries fail to recharge in service.

Your mileage may vary. If you can stay on top of this, you should have very little trouble.

Good luck.

Tom Caffrey