sleeping while charging battery

[robert pierce]

is it safe to charge your battery at dock .... in cabin..... while sleeping there as well?

 

[Debra B]

I leave mine on all the time

but then I have a fairly fancy 4 stage (bulk, top, float, equalize) charger - and I run my refrigeration constantly, so it needs to be on.You need to check the water level frequently at least at first - I had one charger that cooked batteries if I was not really careful, so I got rid of it.

 

[Paul Akers]

Me Too! - nm

nm

 

[Brian]

is it an automatic charger

If you have an automatic charger, you can leave it on. The charger monitors the batteries and stops charging when the batteries are fully charged. If you don't have an automatic charger, you should get one. The most recommended types are 3 step automatic. They make it so you don't have to pay atttention to how long you charge your batteries for, and charge you batteries in phases so your batteries will have a longer life.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

See "Shore Power Function"

...for some answers.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

What about gasses?

I thought charging batteries gives of hydrogen gas and would be dangerous to do in the boat whether you're in it or not? (mind you many outboards charge while running...)

 

[Ed]

Hydrogen is lighter than air.

Unless the area where the batteries are stored is sealed shut, any off-gassing hydrogen will just float out.~ Happy sails to you ~

 

[Paul]

Battery gasses

Batteries really shouldn't be stored in the cabin. No matter where they are stored, the compartment should be well ventilated.Hydrogen gas is not toxic, but it is explosive. Fortunately, it's lighter than air and tends to float out of the boat.Charging batteries emit other gasses (arsine, stabine) that are toxic, but I have never heard of anyone being injured by battery gasses.All batteries emit gasses, including gels and AGM batteries.That said, I know people who have their house bank underneath the seat at the nav station. They seem to remain alive year after year.The batteries on my boat are stored in a cockpit lazarette. I'm always plugged in.Paulsv Escape Artisth336