Battery tie down

Question

I have a question on battery tie downs. On a mobile solar power skid with 4ea 6volt agm batteries inside the equipment cabinet, the builder was not planning on using any type of tie downs on the batteries. His plan was to just put starfoam underneath the batteries and along the side to keep them tight. I didn't like the idea of not having some type of tie downs on the batteries in case of an accident. His reply is that many Rv's have batteries that are not tied down. I thought to myself, maybe so, but seems like not a very safe or wise idea. A bad enough accident and those batteries could potentially turn into a welder. What are your thoughts on battery tie downs? Is there any best practice codes for solar in moving vehicles?

tucsonjim · Answer

Strap them down.  Even though they are AGM batts, they can still arc in an accident if they hit something that is shorted to ground.  At least they won't leak if they turn upside down, and they don't necessarily have to be vented.

royb · Answer

My outside batteries are installed in a metal lid locked box - No way would I not have battery case straps on them...Roy Ken

lc0338 · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I did more research since my original post. Aside from the arc'ing danger one of the reasons life is shortened is due to vibration. Agreed, AGM batteries are vibration resistant as compared to wet cells. I plan to have tie downs installed before accepting the unit.

gjac · Answer

I used angle iron and threaded rods and nuts to hold mine down.

azrving · Answer

If the edges or sides have some type of frame or surrounding material, use threaded rod and sq plastic blocks to hold them down. From lawn equip to industrial electric carts and automobiles, EVERY battery should stay in position so as not to contribute to causing a fire by arcing.

In the most horrific crashes the battery can still cause a fire but in general the battery should be secure.
Even on stationary equipment like generators or water pumps, the battery should be secure or you will find a hole worn through the side when it vibrates against something hour after hour. JMO

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Battery tie down

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