It finally happened. After 3o years of managing large electrical distribution systems with very large dc back up battery systems and 45 years of car battery use, I had one explode in the rv yesterday. Detonation was loud enough to where it upset the wife inside the house 100 feet away.
one of the two battery, house rack internally exploded spreading plastic and acid. We had just finished a three day trip with utilities at the campground and at the house reconnected for charging maintenance. Every three months, I check levels and adjust with distilled water only. Batteries were two years old and required water only once.
I will take both back to interstate battery and ask for a discounted replacement and Interstates recommended test for charge maintainer. The distributor is good folk and will do what's right.
I guess the message is batteries do explode and when working around them personnel protection is important, along with ventilation, spark reduction etc. Googling the issue, that explosive force is similar to a stick of dynamite with acid spray as a kicker.
stuff happens