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ROGER PIHLAJA



Electric Motor

2022-02-10; 14:10:38 EST

Member Since

2002-08-01

Posts: 1426

Hi All,

To all of you considering switching over to electric propulsion, besides all the usual issues regarding electrical connections, corrosion, and water; there are some additional precautions associated with batteries.  Batteries must be securely mounted so they can’t tip over, preferably low and near the center of the boat.  If lead/acid batteries get dunked in sea water, the sulfuric acid electrolyte and lead sulfide on the plates will react with the sodium chloride in sea water to produce chlorine gas, which is quite toxic. If lead acid batteries are overcharged, they can release hydrogen sulfide gas, which is very smelly and also toxic.  More modern nickel/lithium batteries use lithium.  Lithium is a reactive alkali metal and reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas, which is quite flammable.  Note, if your lithium battery pack is on fire, do NOT try to extinguish the fire with water!  You will only make things worse.  Modern marine batteries are usually sealed against water intrusion; but, especially with big battery packs, you need to be aware of what hazards you are carrying.  It’s another big energy source that needs to be properly handled and respected.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

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