Friends: I inspected a mobile system recently that consisted of a set of vented lead-acid batteries directly below a rack of Outback FX inverters and Flexware cabinets. The batteries were not covered. They did have a dual set of tubes connecting the caps. When I asked about the possible safety concerns of not isolating vented batteries from electronics I was informed by the installer of the system that the batteries had a “watering and degassing” system that “pushed” the gas to the outside through a “flame arrester”.
I was curious about this because we have always isolated batteries from electronics by building some sort of enclosure, usually at some expense. If there is some sort of new system that prevents this need, I want to know about it. I looked on-line and called the experts I know and found no knowledge of such a system. Have any of you heard of such a thing? I did discuss the necessity of isolating batteries and one vendor indicated that the only requirement they have in this regards is to calculate the volume of off-gassing and provide adequate air exchange. This upsets some foundational understanding I have that vented batteries require isolation. I am really wondering if we are wasting time and money building enclosures to protect batteries when not needed. Thoughts or comments are gratefully accepted. Sincerely, William Miller [image: Gradient Cap_mini] Lic 773985 millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/> 805-438-5600
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