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Date:         Sun, 5 May 1996 23:21:35 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         DHaynes57@aol.com
Subject:      Re: Westy RV battery question (fire concern)

In a message dated 96-05-05 23:08:42 EDT, ddes@anet-dfw.com (David Schwarze)
writes:


>30?  Try 150!  I've fried more than one 60-amp ammeter doing just that.
>Even without the alternator charging.  The only solution is not to let your
>battery run down that far (a good idea in general to prolong battery life).


30 to 50 is during normal charging cycles.  During short circuit conditions,
the current is only limited by the resistance of the wire the current is
pasiing through.  If the wire is large enough, a few thousnad amps could
possibly flow.  The battery will heat rapidly as it is the resistor in this
case.  Heat, sparks, hydrogen, etc.  Run for your life.  Batteries are very
dangerous when mishandled.  Remember how easy it is for a battery to pass 400
amps to start your car.


Dennis.
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