Forum Discussion

BC_Explorer's avatar
BC_Explorer
Explorer
Jun 12, 2017

Inverter in same compartment as batteries?

While doing some research on inverter wiring, I have read a couple of different websites which say that an inverter should not be in the same compartment as batteries, otherwise the gas venting from the batteries can damage the inverter circuity. Also, there is a chance of a spark causing an explosion.

The spark theory makes sense (and have experienced it first hand while working on a car years ago.)

Any validity on the gas damaging the inverter circuitry?
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    I have an electric golf cart with electronics next to flooded batteries. One day I unplugged the charger and "hit the gas". One battery under the seat exploded, blew the top off and lifted me about two inches as the seat rose. Your call -
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 12, 2017
    The greater danger is battery vapor, which tends to be acidic, can damage the inverter.

    That said if the compartment is well vented (mine is, power vents in fact) and the batteries are "Low gassing type" (Likewise) Well there is no evidence of corrosion on my 11 year old Prosine. however that said the prosine is not working just now.. But suspect age, more than anything else.
  • BC_Explorer's avatar
    BC_Explorer
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    Thanks all. Don't (yet) have a need to move my inverter (which is already in a separate compartment) but wanted confirmation on the corrosion aspect that I had read about.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Jun 12, 2017
    sch911 wrote:
    Not is the same compartment = YES

    As close as possible to the batteries = YES


    The gasses venting off a battery can cause an explosion with a spark or hot component, which is why they say not to put electronic gear in the battery compartment. Seriously, don't do it. It might never happen, but you definitely won't like it if it does.

    As to the circuitry damage, yes, that is likely to happen, too, leading to a high probability for that spark or hot component. As others have pointed out, those gasses can be corrosive.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    Not is the same compartment = YES

    As close as possible to the batteries = YES
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 12, 2017
    Mine are in the same compartment. Front compartment is not even close to sealed so it is rather well ventilated and not cramped. Solar controller and transfer switch is in there too. Mysteriously there is virtually no corrosion on my battery terminals.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    Mine have been in the same compartment for four years now. No explosions, no corrosion. I'm using Duracell AGM batteries.

    The same probably doesn't apply to flooded batteries.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2017
    "Any validity on the gas damaging the inverter circuitry?"

    Every manufacturer fact sheet I've read recommends not in the same compartment.
  • KCFDCapt's avatar
    KCFDCapt
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    Absolutely! Look at your battery terminals and see the corrosion. The gasses coming off a flooded battery do not play well with electronics.

    AGM and lithium are a different story.

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