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John Elnitski (Ski43)
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Username: Ski43

Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 71.58.59.233

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Posted on Monday, June 09, 2008 - 10:09 pm:   

I put my house batteries in my MC9 forward in the space where the AC condenser was on the left side in front of the bays. I modified the screen protector for condenser to reduce the openess of it, but air can still get in and out. Is it alright to put the inverter in the same space or is that too dangerous. That is are inventers self contained enough not to throw a spark. Also could I put in a divider which has a seal around it between the batteries and the inverter, plan to use foam material used to insulate copper pipes in houses.
James Stacy (Jimstacy)
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Username: Jimstacy

Post Number: 139
Registered: 1-2001
Posted From: 75.40.242.127

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Posted on Monday, June 09, 2008 - 10:46 pm:   

Inverter manufacturers do not reccommend batteries in the same compartment due to corrosive vapors attacking the internals.

A set of Hydrocaps will eliminate the vapors. I have run 3 8D batteries directly alongside two different inverters, (the current one a Heart 4KW) for 8 years and nearly 100,000 miles. Not a speck of corrosion on anything in the bay including the battery terminals which have not been cleaned in all that time. All metal in that bay looks as new. Some folks don't like Hydrocaps I've heard, but my experience has been outstanding.

Jim Stacy
John Elnitski (Ski43)
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Username: Ski43

Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 71.58.59.233

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Posted on Monday, June 09, 2008 - 10:51 pm:   

So no danger of battery exploding during charging due to spark from inverter.
Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
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Username: Jackconrad

Post Number: 774
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 76.3.173.51


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Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 6:46 pm:   

I would install the inverter in front baggage compartment (close, but separate as well as dry and adequate air circulation. It can be installed in a "cage" attached to the ceiling. JackInverter Cage
Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
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Username: Kyle4501

Post Number: 429
Registered: 9-2004
Posted From: 65.23.106.193

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Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 10:15 am:   

While Jim has had good luck with his setup . . .
I'm thinking he doesn't 'abuse' his batteries & as a result, they don't see the heavy charge/ discharge cycles that induce heavy gassing.

If a hydro cap fails . . . If a battery takes an early demise, if..., if,....if....

You will be better off seperating the 2 & minimizing the what ifs & the chances of "oops, I didn't see that coming". You will also increase the 'forgiveness' of the system.

I do like the hydrocaps & the watermiser caps.
From a quick search:
Differences between Hydrocaps and Water Miser caps:
1. Hydrocaps should be removed when equalizing, or they can get extremely hot and may be ruined. Water Misers can stay in place all the time.
2. Hydrocaps re-combine the Oxygen and Hydrogen released by the battery while charging, reducing water loss up to 90%. Water Misers do not re-combine, but water loss is reduced by 50-80% by trapping fine water and acid particles. However, since Hydrocaps must be removed when the batteries are being heavily charged you do not get the full benefit of recombining.
3. Hydrocaps are more expensive - because they do more. Hydrocaps will not last forever, though - life will vary from 3 years to 8 years, depending on charge rates and how they are treated. If left on during battery equalization, they can be quickly used up and/or ruined.

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