Rechargeing a lead acid battery HELP!!!

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Hoofprints in the Snow

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Does anyone here know how safe it is to recharge an old lorry battery, the sort that you have to unscrew 8 tops and add water to. I was given one to power the field fencing and am rechargeing it but am worried that it is safe to do so.
Thanks..
 
Check the water level in the battery, top up if necessary, leave the screw tops very loose, even undone but covering the holes and then recharge on a slow setting. That is how i was taught to do it. Although if the battery is old it may be knacked so won't charge.
 
There should be no problem in charging up the battery. As has been said, check the water level. If it needs topping up don't use tap water. Either use de-ionised water from a car accessory shop or us water from a defrosting fridge, they are basically the same. Then try & charge the battery slowly with the tops of the cells unscrewed but ensure that nothing falls into the holes. Do not have any naked flame or smoke near a charging battery as any fumes that are given off in the process can be inflammable. I would leave it charging overnight & probably for 24 hours.
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The most important thing to remember is that these battreys produce a VERY explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen when charging. Never connect or disconnect the charger with the power on. If a battery explodes indoors, everything will be covered in acid, and ruined . A typical 12 volt truck battery will take about 20 hours to charge at an average of about 5 amps. BATTERIES CAN AND DO EXPLODE, JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE AN EVERYDAY ITEM DOESNT MEAN THEY ARE SAFE.
 
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Thanks jrp204 I have covered the holes with a damp cloth. How long will it take and is it safe to do in the house?

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Certainly would not be awanting to do this in the house. Batteries are dangerous things and old ones can heat up on charging - also the fumes can be infaable and not good for you at all!

If it is an old one then it may have damaged cells - far better to go and buy a new sealed zero maintanance deep cycle leisure battery from your local tyre place - I just got one yesterday for £60 - and also bought a solar cell charger from eBay for £19 to keep it topped up. Far safer overall.
 
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