Charging the battery

parkerm
parkerm Expert Adviser
edited July 2014 in HUDSON
Guys,

Can someone answer this. A friend called me (37 Buick) and said he was charging his battery while it was still in the car with the cables connected. I told him I didn't think that was a good idea, but I don't know why. He did remove the cables and continued to charge the battery, but can anyone tell me if I was correct you should not charge the battery while it is connected to the cables?

I don't know what might be damaged, but I thought something could be.

Thanks,
Marvin

Comments

  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    It can be done, and we've all done it over the years but it's safer if you remove the cables - a power surge thru the charger could damage not only the battery but other components in the electrical system.

    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    edited July 2014

    I think the chances of damaging something in the car's system are extremely small.  Maybe more chance of some kind of incident when disconnecting the cables!  I'd not bother.

    If you're doing a "major charge" to a pretty well-discharged battery, or if you're leaving a traditional charger on it for some time, I suggest removing the battery to avoid the chance of any electrolyte bubbling over and eating up the paint on the car's battery tray or surroundings.  Unnecessary of course if you're just using a good quality "trickle charger" to maintain a full charge.

    Oh, and don't worry about putting the battery on a concrete floor . . .  it won't drain the battery.  That old problem went away decades ago when changes were made to the battery case material.

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    What happens when the engine is running?  The generator is charging the battery!!!   Absolutely no difference between that and an external charger doing it with the engine off. 
  • lostmind
    lostmind Expert Adviser

    What happens when the engine is running?  The generator is charging the battery!!!   Absolutely no difference between that and an external charger doing it with the engine off. 

     

     

    X2
  • parkerm
    parkerm Expert Adviser
    Okay so it sounds like I was wrong in my advice as far as something being damaged; other than perhaps the battery bubbling over and damaging the paint.

    Thanks guys,

    Marvin
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