Battery Mounting Rule Clarification

[DKrause615]

Section 3.K addresses battery mounting requirements.

It is not clear to me, do all battery's need to be mounted in a "sealed spill-proof box", or only a battery mounted in the drivers compartment?

[QikNip]

My read of 3 K is that the leakproof battery box must be used to mount a battery if it is located in the drivers compartment. It's not needed elsewhere, but regardless of location the battery it must be secured by a metal framework and metal fasteners.
Rick

[DKrause615]

QikNip, thanks for you response.  That is my interpretation of the rule too.  I'd appreciate anyone viewing this post, if you know for sure, please leave a post.  Who runs trunk mounted batteries mounted securely, but NOT in a spill proof box?

Thanks!

[Milwaukee Midget]

Who runs trunk mounted batteries mounted securely, but NOT in a spill proof box?

Thanks!

That would be me.  For a bit of added safety, I modified a marine battery box that clamps both the battery and box to the floor of the trunk.  Probably overkill - maybe not - definitely not "sealed", but I saw no quizzical eye scrutinizing it during the 4 tech inspections I've been through with SCTA, USFRA or ECTA.

I would make sure your panel between the trunk and the passenger compartment is well sealed.

[Glen]

Being in a spill proof box will aid the EMT's during a rescue as well as spraying acid all around. Any protection is for everyone not just the driver.

[QikNip]

Despite my (above) Mr. Know it all reply, I now have a battery question about relocating the battery to the driver's compartment of my CPRO car. To wit: If I put the battery in a marine type leak proof plastic box, and then secure the battery with a proper metal hold down inside that box with the bolts passing through holes in the box's bottom, does that box (with two holes in its bottom) still meet the definition of 3K which states that "wet cell batteries must be sealed in a spill proof box"?
Rick

[Stainless1]

Which is why a lot of us use AGM batteries, no spillage possible, strap it down and go.

[QikNip]

Which is why a lot of us use AGM batteries, no spillage possible, strap it down and go.

So to clarify, any AGM battery qualifies as a "dry cell" battery under 3.K? ... And therefore my AGM Optima Red Top can be securely mounted in the car's cabin with no spill proof case! If so, problem solved.
Rick

[NathanStewart]

A wet battery in the drivers compartment needs a box.  A wet battery outside of the drivers compartment does not.

[metermatch]

An AGM battery, such as an Optima, is a dry battery.  No box required.  I have 3 yellow top Optimas in my drivers compartment, passed El Mirage tech 2 weeks ago.

Jeff

[thundersalt]

If you are mounting batts in the trunk with a fuel cell, I would recommend
 enclosed batt boxes to protect batt terminals from shorting out and adding spark to the fuel.