carbon monoxide
 

The rumor mill is wrong again, charging golf cart batteries does not produce carbon monoxide. Read article by theFire Chief in todays daily son. Page 4 in the Local Section

drd

Re: carbon monoxide
 

We knew this before the article came out. For ventilation we had vents installed in the garage door.

Re: carbon monoxide
 

We read the same article, drdodge. It was a relief since we've charged the cart many times
with the doors and windows closed.

Re: carbon monoxide
 

Charging golf cart batteries definitely does not produce carbon monoxide. HOWEVER, doing so does produce fumes that can condense into sulfuric acid. We bought our golf cart from the sellers of our home; they thought that since they didn't use the cart, it didn't require maintenance. WRONG! There had been so much condensation and formation of sulfuric acid that several of the support members under the batteries and the long bolts that hold the batteries in place had rotted through and had to be replaced. Our golf cart serviceman suggested that we take the cart outside onto the lawn (NOT on the concrete driveway) and hose down the areas around the base of the batteries and to let it dry thoroughly, keeping the water off the wiring as best as possible, and to do this about once a month. I could not believe how thick and hard the white 'stuff' was that had formed and had eaten away at the parts that had to be replaced!!!

Re: carbon monoxide
 

Charging lead-acid batteries produces hydrogen gas. Very explosive depending on the hydrogen to oxygen ratio. (think Hindenberg) Always keep a charging battery well ventilated to not allow a critical mixture. Never be smoking near a charging battery or remove a battery cable which could cause a spark.

Also true is the corrosiveness of the sulphuric acid on exposed metals. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water and carefully brush it on the metals in question. Do not get any of the baking soda mixture in the fill holes on top of the battery. The alkalinity of the baking soda will neutralize the acid. As always when doing something like this wear eye protection.