Re: Electric wheels at last, but SAFETY first!.

[Bob Rice <"bobrice@snet.net"@snet.net>]

David E Goldstein wrote:

> WOW! Had to comment. These words of wisdom should be framed and hung up in every EVer's garage. Dave covered a lot in a little here.

>     A major *mistake* to avoid when ordering your new batteries is
> to NOT specify the correct type of *battery terminals*.  Whatever
> you do, DO NOT ACCEPT "universal" type battery posts because
> that is all that your dealer has in stock. These types of posts do
> not have sufficient surface area to handle high power and may
> melt down under load!  And the ones that have studs sticking up
> out of the battery posts may cause vertical clearance problems
> as well.
> 
>    Instead, INSIST on an "L Type" or "Flag Type" connector (same
> thing, different name) which looks like a flat piece of metal that
> sticks up vertically (like a flag) with a bolt hole through the middle.
> These will match the "lug" type connectors on the Solar Car Corp.
> battery cables beautifully and provide maximum surface area for
> high power.  Insist on having your dealer "special order" them if
> necessary, which normally takes a week to 10 days and is well
> worth the wait!
> 
>    When you actually replace your batteries, it may be a good
> idea to borrow or rent a portable engine winch to move them
> around and install them, or else have a friend with a strong back.
> Even though each module "only" weighs about 70 pounds, you
> will otherwise appreciate this suggestion after lifting the fifth or
> sixth battery! ;-)  Use a quality battery lifting strap (your US
> battery dealer may provide you with a free one that hooks into
> the case, depending upon battery design), wear heavy-duty
> shoes (broken toes can ruin your day! ;-) and NEVER allow
> your feet to get directly under a battery that is being lifted.
> 
>    Also, remove any jewelry (necklaces, dog tags, watches,
> bracelets) that might short between battery posts, wrap your
> wrenches in electrical tape, and when you tighten the
> connector nuts use TWO wrenches -- one against the other
> on opposite sides of the terminal, to avoid twisting or
> damaging the soft lead material.
> 
>    Avoid wearing cotton clothing (or else expect to find holes
> in it the next day).  Instead, wear polyester work clothes,
> which resist the effects of mild battery acid.  It's also highly
> advisable to wear EYE PROTECTION -- safety goggles,
> safety glasses or a plastic face shield to protect yourself in
> the event that you accidentally cause a terminal to spark
> (dropped tools are a most common occurrence) which
> could  ignite some hydrogen gas.  For the same reason,
> don't smoke or allow anyone else to smoke around you
> while working on batteries.
> 
>    Keep some water around to splash on your face, if
> need be, and a few boxes of baking soda to neutralize
> any acid spills or to rub on your hands if you should
> accidentally get some mild acid on your skin.
> 
>    Double check the *polarity* of your batteries  before
> making the final connection  (positive to negative to
> positive, etc.)  It is *amazingly* easy to accidentally
> install a battery backwards, so double check now to
> avoid later embarrassment and disappointment.  Also
> make sure that your battery hold-down brackets are
> securely attached and that there is no danger of
> your hardware coming into contact with a battery
> post.
> 
>    As a final note, be sure to wipe down all of your
> battery tops with paper towels and KEEP the batteries
> clean at all times.  This will reduce self-discharge and
> help to prevent stray current leakages to the frame.
> which could trip your Ground Fault Interrupter, if
> your charger is equipped with one.
> 
>    I know that this is far more information than you
> asked for, but since you mentioned that you expected
> to make some mistakes, I thought I might try to save
> you for from repeating some of the more common ones!
> 
>     Regards and Happy Gatoring,
> 
>     Dave Goldstein
>     President, EVA/DC and
>     Program Development Associates, EV Consultants
>     <goldie.ev1@juno.com>
> 
> -------
> ________________________________________