Tim,
Overcharging--charging at too high voltage--will cause a lead-acid battery to
vent hydrogen gas (that's why you want to
ground to chassis when jumping a car battery--just in case). The modern
battery tenders/minders are 'smart;' i.e. they
only apply enough voltage to charge, then maintain, a battery. A 'dumb'
charger will overcharge a battery; I used one
once and forgot to disconnect it and it boiled some of the acid out of the
battery, exposing the plates and ruining the
battery.
I wouldn't be too concerned about this--you aren't likely to create a
Hindenburg in your garage. Just be mindful when
you open the hood to disconnect the charger there is a slight chance of a small
amount of flammable gas (your biggest
risk may be forgetting to disconnect the charger). It wouldn't hurt to give
any gas a chance to dissipate before
disconnecting the charger.
Bob
On 7/9/2011 5:41 AM, Tim wrote:
> Correct me if I am mistaken here:
>
> When charging an automotive battery, it has to be in a well ventilated
> space, correct?
>
> If true, what about using a battery tender? Would it be at all dangerous
> to have a battery tender hooked up to a car that gets covered when in
> the garage?
>
> Thanks
>
> Tim
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
--
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Bob Spidell San Jose, CA bspidell at comcast.net
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