Are bubbles normal when charging, or gassing?

[tat]

I have decided that the next batteries I buy will be lead acid and not sealed. This is because I was thinking about it and want to have some control, but also that I'll enjoy the chemistry, the hydrometer, the topping up, and I am wondering if I will get a visual clue that the cells are gassing during a charge, because I charged a 6v motorbike battery, changed the electrolite, and could see it was bubbling away nicely, though now i realise that could have been bad.

I want to keep a couple of batteries in great condition, as a real and pleasant interest. I see battery maintenance as a great little challenge to be into.

I'm going to get into the detail and make sure the plates are good and thick, which is what I have been reading, that some batteries say they are deep cycle, but not in reality. So I'm really happy about it all. I just love this boating hobby. Selling the house, even.

Fished out an old fire extinguisher from the canal, and sized it up in the boat, decided it was a go, and gave it a good burn-off on a bonfire at the allotment, and will make it into a wood burner at the workshop. I made one from a propane bottle for the allotment and it is fantastic, controllable and no blow backs even in hurricane winds. I have a Propex (Propane) heater in the boat, but it requires the voltage, so wood burner a good addition, as so very reliable.

If I can see bubbles when charging, is that normal or is it gassing and time to turn down the amperage (if it is variable), or turn the charger off?

[Goingbuddha]

When charging our company's forklift batteries, they would always bubble. Not sure if yours are the same.

[Tayana42]

Check out CF contributor Main Sail. His articles on battery maintenance are the best resource.

Look at his articles at Compass Marine. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

By the way, I don't think it is ever a good idea to change out the electrolyte in your batteries.


S/V B'Shert

[barnakiel]

I can see bubbles in liquid acid batteries then I reduce charge voltage.

I think in such batteries bubbles are normal at this stage of charging.

b.

[SeaSon]

Bubbles are normal when charging. Hydrogen, so flammable.