mount inverter in with SLA batteries - Y/N?

[Marty110]

Hi there, I am just setting my van up with 12 volt power with 2 x 90w panels on the roof and 2 x 100ah SLA batteries in the compartment under the side seat in the van. I have wired an Anderson plug on the A frame so I can plug in either extra folding panels or my multi-stage charger. So far so good. I would like to make the under-seat compartment my 'services' area and have my water pressure pump and 240v inverter in there keeping the cable runs short and everything handy and tidy.

Question is: is it safe/advisable to mount the inverter in with the batteries?

The literature with the inverter says 'no' but the batteries are SLA and therefore should not generate hydrogen gas when charging. Also, the batteries are mounted inside battery boxes and I have drilled 2" holes in the van floor directly in line with the 'drainage' holes in the bottom of the boxes (glued some ally mesh over these to keep the bugs out).

What do you think? Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded post.

[drivesafe]

Hi Marty and the Literature is correct.

Nothing should be mounted in the same compartment as the batteries.

There is no such thing as a non gassing lead acid battery and the "SEALED" label on the battery means the battery is spill proof, not gas proof.

Again, all lead acid batteries can gas and your SEALED battery will actually have vents to allow it to gas if it needs to, to release pressure.

The best way to mount batteries in a caravan is under an open bed or open seat area.

Mounting them like this means you do not need to put in vents to the outside world.

The instant you mount a battery in a confined space, like a cupboard or small battery compartment, you MUST VENT the small area.

[Marty110]

Hi, thanks for that. So neither the inverter or the pump? I have vented the space and its under a double bench seat/lounge.

[Blknight.aus]

only if its very well vented.

I Dont reccomend it for other reasons heat being one of them, access is another

[Marty110]

thanks Dave, I'm not so fussed about the inverter - I have another location better ventilated for heat dissipation and easier to access. The pump I would really like to put in the compartment under the seat with the batteries as it is right above the water tank and would keep my cable run short. heat is not a problem with the pump. Access is easy - lift up a hatch under the seat cushion and there are the batteries. It is a large space and I have vented it through the floor. But if the pump could generate a spark and hydrogen could build up then it has to go somewhere else but locations are limited.