Ramsey Electronics LABC1, LEAD ACID BATTERY CHARGER KIT manual Safety Considerations

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

All lead-acid batteries produce Hydrogen and Oxygen gas during the electro- chemical recharging process. The production of these gases is increased if overcharging occurs, commonly caused by too high of a charge voltage. Sealed battery designs plan on the recombination of Oxygen at the same rate it is produced, therefore eliminating the explosive mixture. Any Hydrogen which is produced will diffuse through the plastic container and as long as the sealed battery is not in a sealed enclosure, the hydrogen will harmlessly disperse into the atmosphere.

It is good practice to use adequate ventilation even with sealed batteries due to the possibility of unforeseen problems. Should something happen, the battery may vent as needed to prevent pressure build up.

Remember, the gases that form while charging lead acid batteries are extremely explosive! Never charge a battery around an open flame or anything that may cause a spark that may ignite the venting gas!

Another point to enforce is that a battery should never be left to charge unattended. Any charging battery should be considered an explosive fire hazard and deserves full attention of the person charging it. The battery’s sulfuric acid can cause bodily harm to you and the environment around you should an explosion occur. If you should hear excessive bubbling (kind-of like

a bowl of Rice Krispies with milk) coming from the battery, cease charging immediately and investigate the situation. Your safety is your responsibility and the end use of your LABC1 or any other charger is up to you to use responsibly.

Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves while working with lead acid batteries. You might even find it beneficial to wear your father’s ‘polyester leisure suit’ (yep… you finally found a use for that old thing!) to protect yourself from corrosive acid that might ruin a " normal human’s” clothing!

Notes on Operation

1)First and foremost, the LABC1 has been designed to work with 12 Volt Lead Acid Batteries only. Modification for other voltages is not encouraged. The easiest way to check to see if your battery is compatible with the LABC1 is to carefully read the information stamped on the battery itself or in the manufacturer’s datasheet. Since a 12V battery is composed of six 2 Volt cells in series, count the number of vent covers on top of the battery as a quick check! An example would be: three vents equals 6 Volts equals no good!

2)The value of R4 has been conservatively set for 18K to avoid the possibility of excessive Hydrogen gas build-up while charging. Remember from before

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