Have a Duffy 26 ' I want to relocate the 2 group 27 batteries. Perhaps in the bilge space fwd of the engine. Perhaps above the deck.
Is a tray with hold down clamps consider sufficient or should they be in enclosed plastic boxes (strapped down)?
Thanks
I would suggest enclosing them to contain spilled electrolyte, an acid proof (fiberglass or plastic) box with ventilation. Even if it is not a wet cell it could expand in its case from freezing or overheat and make a terrible and dangerous mess.
ABYC
recommendations suggestions from E-11 2008 follow the CFR. Generally good recommendations, generally pointed out in surveys.
From the Code of Federal Regulations:
Sec. 183.420 Batteries.
(a) Each installed battery must not move more than one inch in any direction when a pulling force of 90 pounds or twice the battery weight, whichever is less, is applied through the center of gravity of the battery as follows:
(1) Vertically for a duration of one minute.
(2) Horizontally and parallel to the boat's center line for a duration of one minute fore and one minute aft.
(3) Horizontally and perpendicular to the boat's center line for a duration of one minute to starboard and one minute to port.
(b) Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come in contact with the ungrounded battery terminals.
(c) Each metallic fuel line and fuel system component within 12 inches and above the horizontal plane of the battery top surface as installed must be shielded with dielectric material.
(d) Each battery must not be directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter, or fitting in a fuel line.
(e) A vent system or other means must be provided to permit the discharge from the boat of hydrogen gas released by the battery.
(f) [Reserved]
(g) Each battery terminal connector must not depend on spring tension for its mechanical connection to the terminal.
[CGD 73-217, 42 FR 5944, Jan. 31, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR 55736, Dec. 15, 1983]
From ABYC E-11 2008.
11.10 OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
11.10.1 LOCATION OF OVERCURRENT PROTECTION – DC CIRCUITS
11.10.1.1.1 Overcurrent Protection Device Location - Ungrounded conductors shall be provided with
overcurrent protection within a distance of seven inches (175mm) of the point at which the conductor is
connected to the source of power measured along the conductor. (See FIGURE 15.)
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Cranking motor conductors.
2. If the conductor is connected directly to the battery terminal and is contained throughout its
entire distance in a sheath or enclosure such as a conduit, junction box, control box or enclosed
panel, the overcurrent protection shall be placed as close as practicable to the battery, but not to
exceed 72 inches (1.83m).
3. If the conductor is connected to a source of power other than a battery terminal and is contained
throughout its entire distance in a sheath or enclosure such as a conduit, junction box, control box
or enclosed panel, the overcurrent protection shall be placed as close as practicable to the point of
connection to the source of power, but not to exceed 40 inches (1.02m).
4. Overcurrent protection is not required in conductors from self-limiting alternators with integral
regulators if the conductor is less than 40 inches (1.02m), is connected to a source of power other
than the battery, and is contained throughout its entire distance in a sheath or enclosure.
5. Pigtails less than 7 inches (175mm) in length are exempt from overcurrent protection
requirements.
