Thread: Exploding Battery

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

I had a very lucky escape about 30 years ago. The old VW Beetle used to have the battery located under the back seat. In those days pre alternaters, is was not uncommon for a car doing short trips to need the battery charged by an external source.


When a person didn't own a charger they would drop the car into the garage for a day and have them do it. On this occasion a Beetle was dropped in and I was given the job. I removed the battery caps(3 of as they were six volts) and connected the charger. Came back later that day to disconnect. I did this by leaning through the open window, leaning over the battery and proceeded to disconnect(probably with mains power still on) and BANG, it exploded in my face. Luckily with a large water flush there was no permanent facial or eye damage..

Technology can be amazing at times. I recently purchased a CTEK charger and I don't know how they do it, but it is safe to disconnect with mains connected as they produce no spark.

Dave.

Did pretty much the same myself 30 or so years ago replacing the battery on an RL bedford, managed to create a spark tightening up a terminal, battery exploded, I copped an acid shower (luckily nothing to the face) clothes didn't fare to well in the next wash though



Martyn

did the bonet go up?


haddon at school