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LABC1 • 18
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
All lead-acid batteries produce Hydrogen and Oxygen gas during the electro-
chemical recharging process. The production of these gases is increased if
overcharging occurs, commonly caused by too high of a charge voltage.
Sealed battery designs plan on the recombination of Oxygen at the same rate
it is produced, therefore eliminating the explosive mixture. Any Hydrogen
which is produced will diffuse through the plastic container and as long as the
sealed battery is not in a sealed enclosure, the hydrogen will harmlessly
disperse into the atmosphere.
It is good practice to use adequate ventilation even with sealed batteries due
to the possibility of unforeseen problems. Should something happen, the
battery may vent as needed to prevent pressure build up.
Remember, the gases that form while charging lead acid batteries are
extremely explosive! Never charge a battery around an open flame or
anything that may cause a spark that may ignite the venting gas!
Another point to enforce is that a battery should never be left to charge
unattended. Any charging battery should be considered an explosive fire
hazard and deserves full attention of the person charging it. The battery’s
sulfuric acid can cause bodily harm to you and the environment around you
should an explosion occur. If you should hear excessive bubbling (kind-of like
a bowl of Rice Krispies
with milk) coming from the battery, cease charging
immediately and investigate the situation. Your safety is your responsibility
and the end use of your LABC1 or any other charger is up to you to use
responsibly.
Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves while working with lead acid
batteries. You might even find it beneficial to wear your father’s ‘polyester
leisure suit’ (yep… you finally found a use for that old thing!) to protect
yourself from corrosive acid that might ruin a " normal human’s” clothing!
Notes on Operation
1) First and foremost, the LABC1 has been designed to work with 12 Volt
Lead Acid Batteries only. Modification for other voltages is not encouraged.
The easiest way to check to see if your battery is compatible with the LABC1
is to carefully read the information stamped on the battery itself or in the
manufacturer’s datasheet. Since a 12V battery is composed of six 2 Volt cells
in series, count the number of vent covers on top of the battery as a quick
check! An example would be: three vents equals 6 Volts equals no good!
2) The value of R4 has been conservatively set for 18K to avoid the possibility
of excessive Hydrogen gas build-up while charging. Remember from before