Handling Batteries Safely

Do you see the safety hazard that is being prevented in this picture?

Perhaps you have experienced the shock of short-circuiting a battery. With Connect-Ease that danger is eliminated once it is installed on your battery.

The most important aspect of marine battery use is to be safe. Although newer marine batteries have many features to improve safety, all batteries still rely on a chemical reaction between two dissimilar metals to store power. This reaction can be dangerous if the battery is used improperly.

Always be sure to follow all of the precautionary warnings included with your battery such as:

• Batteries produce explosive gases.
• Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from batteries at all times.
• Batteries can explode.
• Protect your eyes at all times.
• Always wear safety glasses when working on or near batteries.

It is also essential to follow all the instructions and take proper safety precautions when testing a marine battery. Whether you are taking a load test, open circuit voltage test or reading the specific gravity of the electrolyte, make sure to adhere to all the safety or operational instructions that were included with that particular tester.

One of the biggest safety hazards associated with any battery use is improper charging. Not only can it be dangerous, but it can significantly shorten battery life if done incorrectly. The following is important instructional information for marine battery charging:

• Batteries should be charged if the hydrometer reading is below 1.225 Specific Gravity or 12.4 open, circuit volts, or the load test is below 9.6 volts (This is for flooded electrolyte batteries only; see gel and AGM charging below).
• Always follow the charging instructions that came with the charger.
• Unplug the charger before connecting or disconnecting a battery.
• Do not leave a battery on charge for more than 48 hours (flooded electrolyte batteries only).
• Stop the charge when two hydrometer or voltage readings recorded two hours apart indicate no increase.
• Never attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow it to warm to 60°F before charging.

Always use Automatic Battery chargers when using Connect-Ease products.

Do not leave batteries charging unattended for any significant amount of time.