Is Off Gassing Something I Should Be Concerned About?

thezenvan · Jul 12, 2017

After watching Bob's video on his latest battery setup I'm looking into getting a pair of 224AH 6V batteries and connecting them in series to get 12V.

In the video Bob mentions that there might be some off-gassing (thermal runaway?) from the batteries but he himself is not concerned about it. I've previously read about the off gassing issue in my research regarding my solar setup so my question is should this be a concern or could I just place the batteries in sealed container on the floor and not be worried about them releasing nasty gasses while I'm sleeping?

Thanks

Optimistic Paranoid · Jul 12, 2017

thezenvan said:
not be worried about them releasing nasty gasses while I'm sleeping?

Gassing only occurs when the battery is being charged.

djkeev · Jul 12, 2017

We all must educate and assume a level of risk that we are comfortable with.

I have two golf cart batteries in my Van, in a acid proof box but not vented.

I'm not worried about it.......

Dave

Trebor English · Jul 12, 2017

An insulating protective cover of some sort is important. If you drop something like a kitchen knife onto the top of your battery there could be some bad conduction. A trolling motor battery box with a lid is good.

highdesertranger · Jul 12, 2017

off gassing and thermal runaway are 2 different things. like OP said off gassing only happens while charging. highdesertranger

akrvbob · Jul 12, 2017

Sorry, I wasn't clear and you misunderstood. I was talking about flooded lead acid batteries off-gassing, but those are AGMs and while technically they do off-gas, it is such a tiny amount it is NOT a consideration. It's universally considered that AGMs are safe inside the van. If you get the Full Rivers, or any other AGM. you don't have to give that a thought.

Weight · Jul 13, 2017

I have flooded EGC2 batteries, in a box, vented with a small computer fan, into the van. The danger is in a un-vented container that traps the hydrogen. I have a smart charger and do not have problem with battery fumes. If we use a typical auto store type charger, I would be worried. Also, some are more sensitive to the odor from charging batteries.

RVTravel · Jul 13, 2017

Only when mexican food is combined with a heat source.

Optimistic Paranoid · Jul 13, 2017

Weight said:
I have flooded EGC2 batteries, in a box, vented with a small computer fan, into the van. The danger is in a un-vented container that traps the hydrogen. I have a smart charger and do not have problem with battery fumes. If we use a typical auto store type charger, I would be worried. Also, some are more sensitive to the odor from charging batteries.

While flamable hydrogen gas is the principle danger, they also release sulfuric acid fumes. There are threads in some of the mainstream RV forums of people with regular RVs reporting that the paint was eaten right off the roof of their battery compartments, presumably by the fumes. It's probably not a good thing to be breathing sulfuric acid fumes, no matter how weak. Keeping your van well ventilated while charging is probably a good idea.

Weight · Jul 13, 2017

Sulfuric acid fumes. Only if over-charging. But I guess it is better to be over-safe. Such is life. But. My battery box and the tops of my GC2s are exactly as I installed about two and a half years ago. I have to dust them when I service the water level.

Is Off Gassing Something I Should Be Concerned About?

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