Batteries box

[sdowney717]

I never worried about not covering my battery tray. I could easily make one strong enough to stand on. Yes, the gas wont be contained unless it is 100% sealed with a discharge tubing like some cars have.

A battery charger with a lower voltage wont cause gassing, mine is low enough the batteries dont gas. I suppose some chargers have cycles where the charge voltage is higher and they will gas then for a short time.

In many years, I have not had any problems, except if the battery fails with an internal short like all my batteries seem to eventually fail. Then they get hotter, the charger puts out more current, and they can leak acid out their vents.

One advantage of not covering them, it is easier to see any issues developing, like corrosion or leaking acid.

[MartySchwartz]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

I am about to build a box for y 4 gc2 batteries.
Is it better to separate the 4 batteries within the box or is it fine to put the 4 side by side?

L

I did exactly that for my 6 GC2 batteries eight years ago. The box is 3/4" plywood with fiberglass inside and out and then painted with an epoxy paint for looks. The bottom is about 1" larger then the footprint of the box to provide a flange to screw the box down to the stringers in the engine room. The front panel is removable so I can easily remove the batteries. This was put to the test when I had to replace the batteries a couple years ago and worked like a charm. The panel has a water (acid) tight seal so any catastrophic loss of electrolyte will be contained. The sides are about 2" taller than the batteries to make room for cables and vents. The batteries are side-by-side with no spacing. The lid is also 3/4" plywood covered in fiberglass and is held in place with a ratchet strap.

If you want I can get some photos of the installed box and send them along. Sorry, did not take any photos of the construction process.

Marty............................

[Lou_tribal]

Originally Posted by MartySchwartz

I did exactly that for my 6 GC2 batteries eight years ago. The box is 3/4" plywood with fiberglass inside and out and then painted with an epoxy paint for looks. The bottom is about 1" larger then the footprint of the box to provide a flange to screw the box down to the stringers in the engine room. The front panel is removable so I can easily remove the batteries. This was put to the test when I had to replace the batteries a couple years ago and worked like a charm. The panel has a water (acid) tight seal so any catastrophic loss of electrolyte will be contained. The sides are about 2" taller than the batteries to make room for cables and vents. The batteries are side-by-side with no spacing. The lid is also 3/4" plywood covered in fiberglass and is held in place with a ratchet strap.



If you want I can get some photos of the installed box and send them along. Sorry, did not take any photos of the construction process.



Marty............................

Thank you very much Marty! If not too much To ask I would be interested to see any picture!
What dis you use to seal the front panel?

L

[MartySchwartz]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

Thank you very much Marty! If not too much To ask I would be interested to see any picture!
What dis you use to seal the front panel?

L

I need to check battery water in the next few days, will get some photos then. As to what I used for the seal, I don' remember exactly, it was 8 years ago after all. I seem to recall is was some foam-type auto gasket material that is supposed to be impervious to oil and acid. I do remember that I was looking for something that would conform to the surfaces and create a water-tight seal.

Marty.........................

[jcurry]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

Indeed that is why I am also trying to meet these requirements. Core will be wood but sealed in fiberglass and epoxy, should contains battery content, vented at the top with a protective cover.

L

You can build a very strong acid resistant box and cover using 1/4"or heavier fiberglass sheet from McMaster Carr, an industrial supply house That allows on line ordering. Comes in various sizes, not all 4'x8' sheets.

[Lou_tribal]

Some news about the batteries box, started to work on that two days ago with some delay.
What I will do is kind of batteries tray on to which I can add a cover. Not sure I will need the cover as the + post will be protected by a plastic cover, but will see later on.
Here is the rough plan of what I am doing, top view and side view:



I plan to put each battery on a stand, empty in the middle to act as an acid "receiver" in case of a leak.
Each stand will be separated to the other by 3/4 inch. Battery will be enclosed in his own "cell".

Below one of the 4 battery stand that will be epoxy glazed, empty middle will be the so called "receiver":



Here are the 4 batteries I will install:



I am lucky they can be charged using solar power ouf!!!

L