[Jason Law]

Originally Posted by EricH

Al is much more experienced here, so anything I say takes a very distant second to anything he says.

A typical battery that size has a liquid or gel in it--something that can flow within limits--and a series of plates. Essentially, there is a chemical reaction happening. When the battery is recharged, the reaction is reversed. The reason to recharge upright would be to ensure that the plates are fully coated for maximum reverse reaction occurrence, or more speed/better depth of charge. Discharging can be done in any orientation because the reaction will concentrate in the contacted area. Charging, you don't necessarily want that.

Oh, and charging on the side has another drawback: should a seal break, the acid or other liquid can leak. Charge upright, and it's easier to clean up than if it spills out.

Oh, and for those inserts: there is a type of pink foam that is fairly dense, closed-cell, I think (not sure of exact type/brand). It cuts easily with a hotwire, great for spacing/organizing.

Thanks for the quick reply. Would you say that charging on the side shortens the life of the battery or would it simply not charge fully?

Thanks,

Jason Law