Charging Battery Orientation

[Culvan Van Li]

I was a robot inspector in Arkansas last week. I saw many teams with charging setups that had the batteries sideways. I mentioned that I didn't think it was a good idea, and my understanding was that you should always charge the batteries upright because of the potential to leak electrolyte/acid. I scanned several of the manufacturer's data sheets and didn't find that in them.

I did find a thread from 2004 where Big Al indicates they should be charged upright and I think we are still using basically the same battery technology. Did I miss a change in the battery technology since then or does that recommendation still hold true?

Andy