Before we put the new pack (lead-acid, Trojan T125s) in my EV, we had them on a bench in my friend's garage, cycling away. He also had a CO detector in his garage, approximately 4 or 5 feet across from the batteries, mounted on a shelf a few feet above the level of the batteries. The meter would read 0 when we weren't gassing the batteries. However, an equalize charge would peg the meter and set the thing to squealing, especially if we hadn't opened the garage door. I did not have the feeling that CO was actually involved. We both thought that somehow the meter was tuning into all the hydrogen and/or sulfur in the air. Since Rod's nicads probably don't vent sulfuric acid fumes, that makes it more likely that it's the hydrogen, which I would bet that nicads also give off.
Chuck Hursch Larkspur, CA www.geocities.com/nbeaa ----- Original Message ----- From: Rod Hower <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 1:43 AM Subject: EV's giving off CO > I would like the scientific advice of those on the > list with more chemical knowledge than me. > At 1AM this mornging the CO detector downstairs sent off a warning, > it was at 100. The CO detector upstairs read 34. > My wife called the fire department who came out and read 30 down stairs > after the doors where open. We went in the garage and he read 150 max. > What was in the garage? The TEVan that topped off on a long charge with > batteries bubbling for a while. I don't believe it overcharged, but I > can't say for sure that all batteries are topped off with water (I need > to drop the pack to verify this). > So, why in the heck would the NiCd batteries set off my CO detectors? > Talk about embarrasing, having your EV set off the CO detector. I had > no explanation, but I sure would like one to calm my wife's nerves and > I'm sure her father who lives up the street and is the retired fire > chief if Akron!!!! > Thanks, > Rod
