Safe to Charge Battery Indoors?

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 06 Aug 2018, 20:49

I have a Battery Tender battery charger.

Only used it in the garage while battery was in the 850.

Is it safe to remove the battery and charge inside my apt? Something tells me “NO”.

I’ll be home while it’s charging.

I don’t live in the same place, and no access to an outlet outdoors.

Thanks!

Post by **loosenut** » 06 Aug 2018, 21:12

Yes. It is safe...only do not open the caps on top that expose the water and plates...set it on 2 amp setting and it will take a few hours..if you are going to be around then ok go to 40 amp setting give it 40 mins...
NOTE....most batteries have caps... Check water OUTSIDE!!!!! fisrt!!!!!!!!.......top with bottled water or tap....it really doesn't matter....don't go buying battery water rip off....just to top up...fill to first sign of concave appearances....then charge away....

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 06 Aug 2018, 21:29

Curious, this Interstate car battery I have doesn’t require water to be added.

In fact, I haven’t checked water levels in a battery since the 1970s when one used a mini turkey baster looking device which had different colored balls that would float.

My charger has only one “speed”. It works great but concerned about indoors, ie safe or not.

Post by **misha** » 07 Aug 2018, 02:02

Don't charge it in the appartment...toxic fumes will escape through the vent valve.
Put it outside...on the balcony.
Discharged battery will take around 12-15 hours to full charge at 4A.

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 07 Aug 2018, 02:06

Thanks - had a feeling that would be bad idea.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 07 Aug 2018, 02:40

The battery only releases hydrogen which isn't dangerous. flammable but you'd need to keep it in a box for that to be an issue.

And using a smart charger, which everyone should be by now, discussions about charge currents aren't really relevant apart from deciding how big a charger to buy.

Post by **MrAl** » 07 Aug 2018, 04:18

Hello,

I have charged my various lead acid batteries indoors and never had a problem. I make sure there is some ventilation.
Also, dont charge with too high of a current. For a regular car battery, probably 10 amps max is a safe level.
Of course make sure the charger does not try to over charge the battery either.
Also of course dont let the battery get shorted out, or else it could explode.
Also, no open flame or excessive heat near the battery.

The danger isnt really what might happen when you do everything right, the danger lies in what happens when you accidentally do something wrong. Batteries can explode so be careful, but with that care they usually dont explode.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 07 Aug 2018, 04:27

The engine bay of a car is a much more dangerous environment than an apartment and yet batteries thrive in that enviornment. There's no danger to charging a battery indoors.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Aug 2018, 09:17

Do not attempt to cut hedges with your battery.

Do not drink battery acid.

Do not hold above your head and drop on your head.

I think I have covered everything else.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 08 Aug 2018, 12:26

I wouldn't worry too much. If anything, just keep it by an open window. My cousin has charged batteries inside multiple times. I usually charge them in my garage, and that's somewhat inside. Still an enclosed space when the door is closed.

A smart charger is a good thing to have. I picked up a Viking 4 amp microprocessor controlled charger from Harbor Freight for $23 a while back. I've used it plenty of times and it works great to charge and maintain. You can change the settings for regular lead acid batteries or AGM, 6 or 12 volt. Plus it shows the voltage on the LCD.