batteries in garages [RE-wrenches]

[Jerry Caldwell]

The inspector's boss responded well to a little
diplomacy and an explanation that no arc would occur
at the battery terminals since a technician would
first throw the battery disconnect breaker, which is
about 40" above the floor, before disconnecting the
battery cables.

I didn't mention all the outlet plugs in the garage
that were below 18" that could possibly draw an arc.

Now all I have to do is meet with the same inspector
one more time and hope he's sufficiently asserted his
dominance.

Jerry Caldwell
Light Energy Systems

--- Jeff Yago <jryago at erols.com> wrote:
> 
> 
>  "He said the battery terminals had to be at
> least 18" above the garage floor because they might
> generate a spark where there could possibly be
> flammable fumes."
> 
> Most building codes require gas hot water heaters to
> be up on an 18"
> high stand or base because testing has shown that
> leaking gasoline and
> related fumes from a car in a closed garage will
> "layer" across the
> floor below 18" in elevation.  Water heaters are
> elevated now as tests
> have shown they will NOT ignite this gas layer at
> this height even if
> the gas vapors are present.
> 
> You may argue that if the batteries are protected
> from physical
> shorting of terminals such as dropped tools, a spark
> is un-likely.
> However, he may counter with "what if  a battery
> terminal is loose and
> overheats?".
> 
> Most battery boxes we have built for garages have
> insulated bottoms
> and using tall L-16's the terminals are easily
> higher than 18" so we
> never had this problem.   I would place your battery
> stack or
> enclosure up on some form of spacer blocks and leave
> this possible
> inspector fight for something later that will have
> more of a "stupid"
> factor.
> 
> Jeff Yago
> 
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