Safely Recharging the Battery

[MelodicMetalGod]

I've recently acquired a battery tender (jr.) for my 1985 GS550ES, which is sitting right now (until I rehab the carbs). I know that lots of folks use these things with now problem, but in reading through the documentation it sounds as though charging in an enclosed space, such as a garage, is a recipe for disaster. There's more warnings in the docs than there are instructions.

Since most outlets are located inside and these trickle chargers are marketed with the idea they can save a stored battery (in or out of the vehicle), I'm curious as to why they caution AGAINST an enclosed space and why I haven't heard about an average Joe blowing up his house once every two or three days.

If you have any knowledge or expertise on the subject, please share. Thanks!

[Boondocks]

The warnings are there for product liability protection. Flooded lead-acid batteries (the type with filler caps) chemically convert and emit hydrogen gas when the battery is being charged and the electrolyte is bubbling (gassing). The combination of hydrogen and oxygen in an enclosed space can be explosive if an ignition source is present. Some who have removed a vent cap to check the electrolyte level and used a match or lighter for illumination of same can bear witness to this outcome.

Older type battery chargers can produce sparks if the charger is plugged in and the charger terminals are then attached to the battery posts. If the battery is in a confined space with little air circulation, sparks can ignite the hydrogen. This is a rare occurence, and is more likely to happen to someone that is clueless about potential battery hazards.

In the case of the Battery Tender Jr., if it works like its big brother Battery Tender it will not spark even if it is plugged in before attaching to the battery terminals. That alone eliminates the biggest potential hazard. Furthermore, if you permanently attach the supplied charging harness it provides a charging connection that is somewhat remote from the battery and its gasses. Finally, if like many you have switched to one of the new AGM batteries, there is no normal risk of explosion whatever as the batteries are sealed.

I would hook up the permanent charging wiring harness to the battery, plug it in, and not worry about it. It's perfectly safe to use in your garage.

[ptm]

The warnings are there for product liability protection. Flooded lead-acid batteries (the type with filler caps) chemically convert and emit hydrogen gas when the battery is being charged and the electrolyte is bubbling (gassing). The combination of hydrogen and oxygen in an enclosed space can be explosive if an ignition source is present. Some who have removed a vent cap to check the electrolyte level and used a match or lighter for illumination of same can bear witness to this outcome.

Older type battery chargers can produce sparks if the charger is plugged in and the charger terminals are then attached to the battery posts. If the battery is in a confined space with little air circulation, sparks can ignite the hydrogen. This is a rare occurence, and is more likely to happen to someone that is clueless about potential battery hazards.

In the case of the Battery Tender Jr., if it works like its big brother Battery Tender it will not spark even if it is plugged in before attaching to the battery terminals. That alone eliminates the biggest potential hazard. Furthermore, if you permanently attach the supplied charging harness it provides a charging connection that is somewhat remote from the battery and its gasses. Finally, if like many you have switched to one of the new AGM batteries, there is no normal risk of explosion whatever as the batteries are sealed.

I would hook up the permanent charging wiring harness to the battery, plug it in, and not worry about it. It's perfectly safe to use in your garage.

Yeah, what he said. I almost always have 3 battery tenders running in a single car (3 motorcycle) garage and have never had any problem. The Battery Tenders don't spark at all, and the amount of hydrogen gas the batteries emit is very small. Hydrogen is lighter than air so it dissipates easily - it doesn't collect in low spots like propane or gasoline.

[koolaid_kid]

Go for it. I have had my GPz on a battery tender for almost a year, no issues.

[MelodicMetalGod]

Just wanted to say thanks to those who responded. I figured such was the case, but y'all were spot on and confirmed that I wouldn't blow up my house by keeping my bike chaged.

I've had it on the tender all winter with no issues and the battery is as strong as the day I bought it.

Thanks!

Ride smart, but RIDE!