| Car battery chargers are used to recharge a car | | | | fifteen minutes before getting medical attention. |
| battery when the battery can no longer start the | | | | - Always carefully read and follow the instructions |
| car's engine. This article gives tips on safe | | | | for your charger. Don't use a charger which |
| charging. | | | | doesn't have any instructions unless you are |
| You should always be certain that you are using a | | | | absolutely certain that you know how to use it. |
| car battery charger correctly, and that you are | | | | - When using a mains electricity-powered type of |
| following the manufacturer's instructions. Misuse of | | | | charger, ensure that you hook up the charger's |
| the charger could cause injury or damage to the | | | | cables to the battery as the first step. You can |
| battery. Car batteries can give off a gas called | | | | then safely plug in the charger to the electricity |
| hydrogen when they are being charged with a | | | | outlet. Doing it this way helps to avoid forming |
| battery charger and also when the alternator runs | | | | sparks which could ignite the battery gas. |
| and charges the battery. This hydrogen gas can | | | | - Avoid getting anything which makes sparks or |
| cause the battery to explode if ignited by a spark | | | | has flames near to the battery. Avoid smoking |
| or flame. If the car's battery becomes | | | | near to the battery for the same reason. |
| overcharged or if it is charged too quickly, heat | | | | - Don't charge the battery anywhere near fuel |
| can build up in the battery causing damage to | | | | vapour. |
| occur. High temperatures inside the battery can | | | | - Keep metal objects (including jewellery) away |
| mean that the battery won't last as long as it | | | | from battery positive and negative terminals, |
| should before needing replacement, and since they | | | | shorts can cause sparks. |
| are quite expensive items overheating is to be | | | | - Make sure that the charger is well away from |
| avoided. Charging too fast on too high an Amp | | | | the car battery, and exclude people and animals |
| setting may also produce an excess of explosive | | | | from the area. |
| gas which could ignite with serious consequences. | | | | - Work in an area with good ventilation. |
| These are some tips on how to charge your car | | | | - If the weather is very cold, batteries can |
| battery safely: | | | | freeze. Beware of frozen batteries, they may |
| - When working on car batteries, be sure to wear | | | | leak acid. |
| appropriate safety wear such as safety goggles | | | | - Avoid overcharging the car battery, the |
| and protective gloves to protect yourself from | | | | majority of chargers won't do this, but some |
| burns caused by the acid inside the battery. | | | | types can overcharge. |
| - Have some water (make sure it's clean) | | | | - Where possible, charge on a low Amp setting. |
| available to hand for washing your skin or your | | | | This is the safest way of charging. |
| eyes if they get splashed with the battery acid. If | | | | Following these tips will keep you safe and stop |
| you get splashed with the acid, make sure that | | | | your car battery from being damaged. |
| you rinse the affected area for a minimum of | | | | |