Page 20 - PS Battery Guide May 18

Battery guide For PowerSpout

Lead Acid battery safety

 Batteries store energy in chemical form and can release this as electricity
very quickly if there is a short circuit. A short circuit (bridging across
between the battery terminals) can convert a steel ruler or spanner to
molten metal spray and cause significant personal injury.

 Batteries contain explosive gasses that can be ignited by sparks to create an
explosion that scatters sharp debris and acid.
 Protection from falling objects is required. Metal objects falling into contact
with the battery terminals could cause a fire.
 Never leave a cable loose at one end whilst connected to a battery at the
other. It can easily flop against another terminal and strike an arc.
 Never disconnect cables from a battery that is being charged/discharged as
this creates a spark. Isolate the battery elsewhere first.
 Batteries give off hydrogen and oxygen gas during charging in the correct
proportions for an explosion. Ventilation of the enclosure is required.
 Terminals should be checked annually for tightness and clean is any
corrosion is observed.
 Batteries are not maintenance free. All batteries need to be checked
periodically for individual voltage and flooded batteries also need to be
checked with a hydrometer.
 "Flooded Lead Acid" (FLA) batteries need to be checked for electrolyte level
regularly and topped up. If this is not done they will be ruined and the risk of
explosion increases.
It is important to plan the accommodation of the batteries so that topping up
with water is easy to do. Batteries will use more water as they age. Consider
fitting battery recombination vents to significantly reduce the need to top up
with water. Watering intervals can be as long as 12 months with such vents
fitted.

 Batteries are not for anyone to
touch. Sufficient security is
required to prevent a child or
unknowing adult from
tampering with them.

 Not everybody understands
batteries. There are
recommended safety signs
that must be displayed above
your battery bank warning
people of the possible hazards.
 Batteries are heavy and need a
solid flat supporting surface.
Good access for installation
and replacement to avoid
lifting injuries is required.

© 2018 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 20
Last reviewed 19/6/18