What happens to a battery that is charging too high? What causes do you think can cause battery overcharging to occur? When should the battery charge? What are the signs of an overcharged cell?
Your vehicle’s batteries are the heart of its electrical systems. It is responsible for providing the electrical current necessary to start the engine as well as powering other electrical components. A typical battery lasts between three and five years. Overcharging can lead to premature failure.
What happens if the battery is overcharged?
Overcharged batteries can often explode from the escaping chemical gases. The electrolyte can boil and cause damage to the plates of lead-acid batteries. The internal gas buildup in a sealed, newer dry-type battery can cause it to explode.
Inflammable hydrogen gasses can also build up in the battery’s sealed cells, which can cause the housing to swell. Hydrogen gas can escape through the vents and be mixed with oxygen. This can be dangerous because the gas can ignite at the slightest spark and cause the battery to explode. You may also damage other parts around the battery.
What causes battery overcharging?
Overcharging a battery can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Overcharging is one of the most common reasons for overcharging.
Defective Voltage Regulator/Alternator (Charger).
Today’s vehicles are equipped with alternators that have built-in voltage regulators. These regulators provide an electrical charge to the battery and control engine operation. A voltage regulator that fails can cause an uncontrolled voltage to the engine, which could lead to an overcharge condition.
Incompatible alternators can cause overcharging in some cases. If you have to replace an alternator, make sure it fits your vehicle.
Human mistake
The wrong volt chargers or high amperage chargers can cause the battery’s charge to accelerate and heat up. Overcharging the battery can be caused by leaving it on charge for too many hours.
It is important to use battery chargers that regulate voltage and amperage properly. Some chargers can supply current to the battery for as long as they’re turned on and plugged into, regardless of whether the battery is fully charged. A 50Ah battery can be overcharged by a 50amp charger in very little time. This is avoided by microprocessor controlled chargers.
Some chargers can handle charging up to 200amps. A charger capable of charging 50 amp batteries will cause it to overheat and overcharge, which can lead to permanent damage.
When should the battery be charged?
If your vehicle won’t start, you may have to charge it. This is a sign that your battery is getting close to the end. For more information on the causes of the discharge and for a battery condition check, consult a mechanic.
The most common way a car battery can die is if it isn’t used for a long time or is left lying unattended. A battery that drops below 12.4V will cause sulfation to build up, which can reduce its capacity and life span and make it more difficult to accept and conduct current. We recommend charging the battery at a higher ampage, around 10 amps to break down the sulfation. However, it is important to watch your battery carefully while charging. While it’s fine for the battery to heat up while charging, it should not get too hot and should be stopped immediately.
The signs of an overcharged battery
The damage caused by an overcharged car battery may not be obvious. Look under the hood for any signs of damage.
Hot Battery
The battery may be too hot to touch even after a 30 minute rest. Get your vehicle checked immediately by a mechanic and have any malfunctioning charging system components replaced.
Curved or swollen battery
The excessive gas production and pressure within the battery can cause your battery to swell. You will notice that the edges of your battery become crooked or curved in such cases.
Continued Decrease in Battery Fluid level
If your sealed battery is experiencing fluid loss more often than normal, it could be an indication that your battery is overcharged.
Acid-Like Odor and Nicotine
Unusual acid-like smells may be detected under the hood. This is because an overcharged lithium battery boils the liquid. This smell may be accompanied by smoke and a hissing sound from overheating. The smell may not be coming from the car’s battery. This could indicate that there is a problem with your engine. To get a diagnosis on your vehicle, you should take it to your mechanic. These gases can be toxic so it is best to not inhale them. Also, you should have your vehicle repaired outside. If there isn’t a quick release of excess pressure, the battery could explode.
These cases usually involve a combination overheating/overcharging. These faults can happen at any time of year, but are more common during summer or hot climates.
Multimeters are used to determine the battery’s charge. They can be used to test voltage, amperage continuity, resistance and resistance in electric components. But this does not always mean the battery is in good condition. When the engine is off, fully charged batteries produce 12.6V. You may have an overcharged or low voltage battery. If this happens, it is best to replace the battery. Other components may need to be replaced depending on the source of the problem, such as an alternator.
