Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: BATTERY EXPLOSION (Read 1383 times) previous topic - next topic

BATTERY EXPLOSION

I do not know when it happened but in the last four days one of the house batteries exploded. The hole covers at least two cells on half of the battrey.

I am connected to shore power, 30 amp. There is a built in surge protector. The coach is parked almost next to the house. However the battery compartment is on the opposite side. DID not hear anything.

Any ideas on how this could happen, short of a bad battery.

Norm

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #1 –
Explosions with battery is usually caused by over charging, producing gas vapor and a spark = Bang

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #2 –
Would that be an inverter problem? I also have a solar panel for charging the house batts.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #3 –
I would guess it is simply over charging, producing the gas.  Where is the ignition (spark) coming from, contactor, loose / poor battery connections ?

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #4 –
Do not know the answers to those questions. Just discovered this around dusk. Before I go crawling around in that compartment I want to wash it down, don't need any acid burns.

The batteries are dated 2010 and are Interstate. All the connections look good.  The weather has been a little on the cool side, 50 at night and low 60's day time and RAIN!!!

Any recommendations on replacements.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #5 –
The very first thing would be to use a good quality digital volt ohm meter (VOM) so you have a clue what the battery voltage is no matter how your charging.
The idea is not to exceed the max charging voltage for the battery setup, (Everyone seems to have their own idea what correct is), so ask the dealer where you purchased the Interstate Batteries for their opinion. Depending on the type battery, the charging max voltage changes.
Dave M

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #6 –
Why not tell us what kind of batteries they are/were. Nat Interstate makes all kinds.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #7 –
I'm sorry I just assumed that most folks knew what the house batteries are. Anyway my fault for assuming. I have since learned that folks will use multipels of smaller batteries to save some bucks.

There are 2 Interstate 8D-XHD Workaholic, installed Feb 2010. I am not the original pucherser. I bought the coach in Dec 2012 at MOT. Have since put about 4500 miles on the coach. No problem until this week.

I will be working on this today. Both, in my opinion should be replaced. However, if in fact overcharging has taken place I also have to look at back up the line to see if something has failed in the charging system. Or was it my own fault for assuming the levels in the batteries was fine? Hmmmmm

I will take a photo later today, after I wash the compartment.

Norm

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #8 –
Quote from: sawdust316 –
I'm sorry I just assumed that most folks knew what the house batteries are. Anyway my fault for assuming. I have since learned that folks will use multipels of smaller batteries to save some bucks.

There are 2 Interstate 8D-XHD Workaholic, installed Feb 2010.

Those appear to be flooded (wet cell)  http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Products/RT/PID-8D-XHD%28Commercial%29.aspx?dsNavigation=Nrc~id-3|id-5%2CN~4283764382&Title=Workaholic+-+1155+CCA

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #9 –
Wow, that is scary. I agree with Dave about the gases and a spark. Bet they are wet cells.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #10 –
It's important to neutralize any acid leakage immediately.  Owners have had to replace the entire bottom framework of the coach following battery case failure.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #11 –
Just completed removal of batteries and washing inside of compartment.

Here are some photos of the battery

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #12 –
Ha, that is a minor event meanng it was not gassing alot, just enough. Have seen events that required major clean up including shovels to pick up the pieces of case & plates.
Small educational event, just be aware.

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #13 –
If one of the other house batteries was going/had gone bad and wasn't charging up, would that be a condition that could have caused an overcharging of the now-exploded battery?

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #15 –
Charging systems have improved a great deal in the past decade. The very first upgrade to our U225 was to get a Progressive dynamics 45-amp charger/converter (along with a "wizard") and remove the old converter. We also installed a Tri Metric TM-2025 battery system monitor which performs a myriad of tasks for the house batteries and also gives us a digital voltage reading for both house and starting batteries.

I'm not a big believer in combination charger/inverter systems and even prefer to have multiple, separate, inverters for different tasks around the motorhome. I've written about this before but I'm pretty sure everyone else thinks I'm a nutcase. :P

I also check the fluid levels in the wet cells every couple of months; and more often when the temperatures climb into the 90s.

Checking water levels is a major PITA (at least in our coach). I use a mirror and a flashlight plus a bulb for adding water. I do not - EVER - use anything but distilled water and keep a gallon aboard just for this purpose.

Connections should also be checked for tightness.

Our U225 is equipped with a battery box inside the compartment that is vented and sealed. If we did have an explosion this fiberglass case would probably take the brunt of the damage and maybe even keep acid from getting out (depending upon the severity of the explosion).

Hope your coach cleans up easily. Do not forget to neutralize any possible acid contamination!!! Google it!

Craig

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #16 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –

I'm not a big believer in combination charger/inverter systems and even prefer to have multiple, separate, inverters for different tasks around the motorhome.
I was until I replaced my third inverter/charger. I now have  seperate inverter and charger.
Roland

Quote
Checking water levels is a major PITA (at least in our coach). I use a mirror and a flashlight plus a bulb for adding water
I just installed a "watering system" for that very reason. Now I just stick the hose in a jug of distilled water pump the bulb until it is no longer possible and Voila battery water level is where it should be.

Roland

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #17 –
Thanks for the pics, now I don't have to blow one up to see what the insides looks like :D

Larry

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #18 –
Being the village idiot, I have no clue why anyone would choose a wet cell/flooded battery, that is asking for issues from little explosions from gassing, corrosion from the fumes/over charging, need to keep eye on water levels etc. ??

Re: BATTERY EXPLOSION

Reply #19 –
Dave the primary reason is MooLah. A wet cell 8D is about $150 from Sam's and will last at least three years on average.

Also, don't just rinse out the contaminated battery compartment. Flush with water the first time but then flush again with water mixed with baking soda or ammonia. Let that sit for an hour and then flush several more times with fresh water. You don't want to leave any residual acid under the floor and around the steel box frame.