Batteries do store energy in chemical form and this energy when a load is connected will turn into electrical energy. To avoid the hazards that come with electrical energy there are safety tips that needs to be taken into consideration.
It is through the chemical reactions taking place inside the battery that the battery is able to do the energy conversations. We have primary and secondary batteries.
The difference between the two is that while the chemical process in secondary batteries can be reversed by the introduction of a charge current, in primary cells, the chemical reaction is non-reversible and because of that, the primary batteries are for single-use.
The electrical power that a battery produces depends on the battery size and the battery capacity. Even though the electrical power quantity output depends on the two factors, no matter the size and the capacity of the battery the threat posed by the electrical power of the battery will always be constant.
Battery Short Circuit
One of the greatest electrical dangers in batteries is a short circuit. When there is a direct connection of battery terminals without a load in them then we refer to that as a battery short circuit.
In the event that there is a short circuit connection, the large current that is flowing through the resistive part of the connector will get hot and when it gets hot it can break out.
When it breaks out, the short circuit will be broken as well and this may ignite the surrounding materials which can eventually cause fire.
There are circumstances when the short circuit is low resistance. In that case, the internal resistance of the battery is raised which means the battery will overheat and thermal runaway kicks in what might follow is an explosion, fire or the acid might splash all over.
Battery Electrical Safety Tips
Some of the battery electrical safety tips that one may consider therefore include:
- In efforts to avoid short circuiting, precaution needs to be taken so that any bridging of the terminals with any conductive materials should be avoided. Avoid any closed circuit that might form.
- Avoid making contact with the battery terminals directly or through any conductive material this will prevent chances of electric shock.
- The cables used for the connection should be the right ones so that chances of overloading and overheating are avoided. The cable connections should also be tight at the terminals. The recessed terminal connectors should also be those that reduce the exposure of conductive parts.
- To avoid short circuit and earth faults, the battery connector cables should be properly insulted. You need to ensure that the terminations points are shrouded so that accidental contacts with the metal parts which are exposed are reduced.
- The person that is handling the batteries need to have adequate knowledge of how to prevent the electrical hazards involved in handling the battery. Such a person needs necessary education and also, they need to take extra precautions to avoid short circuiting the system even as they perform their duties.
- When a battery is dirty and not well maintained, there are chances of short circuiting and current leakage between the battery terminals. The battery therefore needs to be clean.
- Any working tools and conductive materials should not be placed on top of the battery.
- You need to ensure that all the handheld tools that you use are properly insulated and single-ended. The insulation also needs to be checked from time to time to ensure that it is still working perfectly well.
- Sometimes, the battery terminal covers are not present. In such a case, you need to ensure that you at least put an insulating cover on top of the battery. In case you have to remove the battery terminal covers for work facilitation purposes, ensure that you reduce the timeline of exposing the terminals and always have the covers put back immediately you are through.
- Human is prone to forgetting. You need to make sure that you take count of all the tools you are working with near the battery. With that in check, chances of forgetting some tools in the battery compartment or near the battery will be reduced. Remember in the event that the tools you are working with are made up of conductive materials and you forget them near the battery, a short circuit may occur in the future.
- Water is a good conductor of electricity and cause a battery to short. You therefore need to avoid exposing the battery to dripping water like water from the cooling system or rain.
- Insulation needs to on check point. This is to avoid exposing the cable conductor which is inside. It is also the insulation that ensures there are no breakages of cable strands. When cable strands break, we expect a reduced cross-sectional area of the conductor cable. You also need to check the cables for overheating. Overheating can be detected through discoloring of the insulation cover. In the event that a defect is noted, replacement or repairs needs to be done urgently.
- Always have a warning sign about the electrical hazards posed by the battery, battery charger and other electrical systems. This warning sign should be easy to read displayed at a prominent place.
- With the adequate knowledge about short circuit that you now have, you should be keen to put the battery cables and the charger cables in a way that they do not cause short circuit either directly or indirectly. Loose hanging cables should also be avoided because they can make someone trip over and also result into a short circuit. Battery charging safety precautions needs to be observed.
- The room where the battery and the chargers are stored should not be slippery. The working bench needs to be insulated so that one is prevented from the dangers that come with electric shock.
Conclusion
The dangers that come with batteries which are fully charged should be taken seriously and only qualified personnel should handle the batteries.
While working on the electrical connections, the terminal connectors should be disconnected. This will reduce cases of electrical shock and short circuits.
As a person who is handling the battery, you need to have your protective gear on. The protective gear includes gloves to protect the and, eye googles for the eye, an apron or overall, for the clothing and a pair of safety boots for your feet just incase of any spillages.
These are some of the tips to consider while working with the batteries or near batteries to hazards associated with batteries.