Car Battery Charger Use – 10 Tips For Safe Charging

1.) You should ensure that the car battery charger is used only in places which have good ventilation. Flammable and possibly explosive gas is emitted when charging is taking place, ventilation will prevent any ignition of the gas.

2.) Do not smoke or have any naked flames near to the battery when charging, as they may ignite the gas emitted during charging. Anything which could cause a spark e.g. motors or other electrical equipment should also be kept away from the area.

3.) If you are using metal tools, avoid short circuiting between the battery terminals. Also avoid short circuiting between the terminals to the vehicle bodywork or engine.

4.) Car battery chargers should never be switched on before connecting to the battery to be charged. Connect to the battery terminals then switch on the charger, this will avoid sparking which could start ignition of the gas from the battery.

5.) Be sure to follow the battery charger instructions when the charger is in use. If you are unsure how to use the charger and have no instructions, contact the manufacturer for a new instruction manual.

6.) Safety eye protection and acid-proof gloves must always be worn when opening the cells of the battery for checking the electrolyte or topping up with water. Battery acid can burn skin and eyes, so great care is advisable when opening the battery.

7.) If you are opening the battery cells, have some clean water available to hand. This can be used for rinsing eyes or skin if splashed with battery acid.

8.) A discharged car battery may freeze if the weather is cold enough. If you suspect that the battery may have frozen, you need to let it defrost otherwise it may rupture and start to leak acid.

9.) Try to use the car battery charger on the lowest possible Amp setting. This will help to extend the battery life and avoid overheating the battery.

10.) Site the charger as far as possible from the car battery. You should also keep pets and people out of the area where you are charging.

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