12V Battery installed on its side ?

[Rob_P]

Hi,

The build of my boat is nearing completion and its about time to start thinking of getting a 12V 7A or similar battery.
Due to the limited height in the proposed installation position, the notes from the kit manufacturer show a battery on its side?

Is this OK?
I know that instead of the traditional lead acid batteries you can now get gel cells for use in Jet skis that might momentarily turn over but isn't this "permanently tipped" application a little too ambitious?

Hopefully the picture attachement will work.

[patmat2350]

It's fine, they're designed for that.

Pat M

[smart_racer]

You should be fine, just make sure the teminals/connectors are protected from each other and any other bare metal

[Rob_P]

Would the type of battery sold in model shops normally used for aircraft elec starters be OK ?
Do I need to make sure its a sealed for life gel cell?

[patmat2350]

I was just perusing Panasonic's site on VRLAs http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/battery/oem/chem/seal/index.html

Nowhere do they SAY it's ok, but neither do they disallow it. In one place, they recommend storing them upright.
The relief valve is a one-way device; it only vents under unusual circumstances, and then it should only be gas not acid. But, anything CAN fail...
On the other hand, I've never actually seen one leak, and they're used on their sides all the time.

Pat M

[Rob_P]

Thanks Pat.
I'm still working on the painting but maybe I'll make it out to the pond soon !

[patmat2350]

Take it up to Port Huron June 2, or Canton on June 16:
http://michiganmodelboats.com/calendar.htm

Pat M
Motor City Mad Mariner

[LtDoc]

Rob_P,
As long as it's a 'gell-cell' it's position makes very little difference (if any at all). The primary reason for storing then 'right side up' is because there are 'bendy' thingys on the top.
- 'Doc

PS - About that 'pop-off' safety valve. It's a 'one shot' thingy. If it ever 'goes off', throw the battery away and fix the 'other' problem(s) that cause it.

[tim slocum]

I pick up two sealed lead acid batteries from an Energizer dealer.There 6v10amp/hr and completely sealed.I lay them on their sides in my Bismarck and they've never leaked.I also got a good deal on them,$40 for both including tax.The dealer told me their tradionally used in alarm systems.

[Kmot]

Gel cells won't leak. They would have to be able to leak "jello" in order to leak at all. In other words, you would have to explde the case to get it to leak.

[Ghost 2501]

I have a Yuasa 6v 12ah in my Sydney star, and IT LIVES AT 90 DEGREES, charged on it side as well, never leaves the boat, all I do is lift the hatch off to allow the charger lead to be plugged in.

its been in there now for 7 months (the last one i left on and took it down to 1v :eek:) and its fine :)

You have NOTHING to worry about!