Historic Size of Battery

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Jason Law

What do you mean when you say charging is best done with battery terminals up? If you charge it on it's side, are there any negative affects?

If anyone else knows about charging orientation?

Your reply is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jason Law

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.