During equalization charges, the amount of hydrogen gas that is given off can be a lot so a well ventilated battery area is necessary. Normal charges also tend to have gas come off, but it should be a lot less, if all is going normal.
I also tend to remove all caps before equalizations to help the gas escape.
I never would do an equalization at sea, even at anchor. I would wait until I was in port and shutdown.
Battery explosions can also occur if cells short somehow. That can be especially "explosive" during an equalization charge.
Much can be learned if battery specific gravity is monitored routinely and water levels are maintained.
Also, not too deeply discharging the battery can go a long way toward minimizing the the potential of inter-cell shorting.
And, battery connections need to be clean and tight at all times to minimize heat buildup, which could cause an explosive in a hydrogen rich or gas fume rich environment.
Lee On Dec 30, 2007, at 19:56 , Norm of Bandersnatch wrote: Ann-Marie,While I have no doubt you are correct in all you say, but I would like to
hear your explaination for batteries exploding during charge.
smime.p7s
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