Do I need vents on my console?

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 19:10

My console houses my battery. I was wondering whether I should install an air vent in the console to allow gases produced by the battery when charging to escape. I've seen lots of RIBs with little vents on the console so it got me thinking.....

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

air vent in the console to allow gases produced by the battery when charging .....

You should only need this when you're fast charging on 240 volts, but then you'll have a hatch ajar to run the cable through.

jwalker · 23 July 2005, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

...I was wondering whether I should install an air vent in the console to allow gases produced by the battery when charging to escape.....

Yes, especially if you have switches with their rears also inside the consol.

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 20:14

So to clarify, I should have one even if I'm not charing it off the mains.....

(And yes there are switches backing into this area)

codprawn · 23 July 2005, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

You should only need this when you're fast charging on 240 volts, but then you'll have a hatch ajar to run the cable through.

Surely most batteries will vent anyway??? Especially if the alternator is producing too much charge as can often happen.

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 21:19

It's all about how much hydrogen the battery will give off, of course... We have a sealed console without venting, a healthy alternator and battery, and we haven't blown up yet! I do take care with venting when charging from the mains, however. Our console does have cut-outs that go into the hull to route pipes, and there is a small amount of ventilation around some of the grommets on top. Maybe that's enough for our setup, is yours completely sealed Tim, or does it have any small holes? I'm also assuming that your fuel tank isn't in the same console.

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 21:23

Console is totaly sealed; waterprood hatch etc. Only way out which isn't sealed is a small hole where cables etc go out at the back. Fuel is indeed seperate.

Maybe I'll just add one anyway; make a nice afternoon project!

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Maybe I'll just add one anyway

I guess it wouldn't hurt - just be careful where you fit it. My choice would be high up to minimise water ingress.

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 21:31

Is hydrogen dense compared to "air" - is high up nessesserily the best venting position?

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Is hydrogen dense compared to "air"...

Think Zeppelin...

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 21:35

Of course there is hydrogen in air!

(It's been a long day!)

jwalker · 23 July 2005, 21:38

The hydrogen will be at the top.

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Of course there is hydrogen in air!

(It's been a long day!)

I don't understand what you're saying...

I meant that Zeppelin airships used hydrogen as it's much lighter than air. Helium used more commonly, as hydrogen very combustible - there was a huge airship disaster many years ago, the Graff Spee if I remember correctly.

Edit - The Hindenburg, not the Graff Spee!

Tim M · 23 July 2005, 21:44

Quote:

I don't understand what you're saying...

That makes two of us

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 22:22

Good answer!

slimtim · 23 July 2005, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

Edit - The Hindenburg, not the Graff Spee!

The graf spee was some big ass german battle ship wasn't it?

My fuel tank will be in my console, so I guess venting is a good idea?

Richard B · 23 July 2005, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimtim

The graf spee was some big ass german battle ship wasn't it?

Certainly was! I don't think there was much chance of it getting airbourne

If your fuel tank's in the console, then I reckon that you definitely need a vent. Incidentally, we keep a tank of 2-stroke in a non-vented locker (it's safe as there's no electrical apparatus in there) but managed to make a passenger seasick a few weeks ago by just opening it whilst bobbing around in big swell. Oops, sorry!

Rogue Wave · 24 July 2005, 00:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Is hydrogen dense compared to "air" - is high up nessesserily the best venting position?

Is water heavier than Air. High up is good but if you really want to be double safe then point the Vents back toward the stern,

Have you fitted many consoles Richard?

Louise · 24 July 2005, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Have you fitted many consoles Richard?

Why is that relevant? The thread is about whether to put a vent in a console!

Hightower · 24 July 2005, 09:43

I've got my fuel tank in the Jockey console and there is evidence that the battery was once fitted in there as well. I have no vents! And the switches and fuses and everything is in there

. I guess my RIB is over 10 years old and hasn't blown up yet!