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A_hitch_and_hop's avatar
Jan 21, 2014

Safety issue 9 volt Batteries

I wanted to post this as a safety heads up for those of us tend to throw batteries in drawer or trash with out store 9 volt batteries in our RV's.

We had an insurance claims adjuster come to Rotary Club and he talked to us about the 9 volt battery safety hazard. He put a piece of paper on the table, set some steel wool on it and dropped a battery on the wool. The wool became red hot with the electric current, then the paper flashed up. Put electric tape over the used ones before you throw them into the trash!!! and keep the unused ones in the plastic containers until you need them.

Has anyone else heard of this?

17 Replies

  • When tent camping/backpacking/kayaking I would carry a battery and some steel wool (separately, of course) for just that purpose. It depletes the battery but it's an easy way to start a fire in an emergency. Dryer lint makes great tinder and doesn't add any weight.
  • Very Good post. While we may have known about it, we tend to forget and get careless. I found out that if I coil up my 30 amp power cord, it will also get very hot. Stretch if out and no problem.
  • Humm, I knew this too but, had forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me I'm going to go look in my battery drawer right now and tape up the ends.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    When going to DD's college graduation, I took the camera, and put 4 extra AA batteries in my pocket. The same pocket with all my change and keys. About 30 minutes into the ceremony, I thought my pants caught fire. I mean my leg was BURNT! I got those batteries out of my pocket REAL fast. It didn't blister, but the skin was red for the rest of the day.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Steel wool and batteries is a great PLAN B fire starter for camping off the power grid...

    Roy ken
  • Yes, it's a very very old trick to getting a fire to start when you're camping or in an emergency situation.

    WoodGlue

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