[Public-List] Batteries & Chargers

[George Dinwiddie]

On 11/5/10 8:56 AM, John Birch wrote:
> I have been told by a number of people, who are electricians, that it is
> an absolute no no to use an off the shelf automotive charger on a boat
> in the water. There are serious safety issues, not the least being
> electrocution as the DC ground can become active with AC in the
> chronically damp environment of a boat. The AC can then leak into the
> water or energize the engine block.
>
> All auto chargers have a warning not to use them in marine environments.
> And for good reason.
>
> In addition to the safety issue, in the event of a fire (another risk
> for auto chargers in marine environments); or electrocution; or stray
> current leakage; one's insurance could be voided.
>
> Just some food for thought.

Very good point, John.  I'll add to it that automotive chargers are not 
well isolated, and will deplete your zincs rather quickly.  If you 
absolutely /must/ use one on a boat due to some emergency, disconnect 
/both/ of the cables from the battery.

  - George

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