MidNite very clearly states that the L16 configuration of this enclosure is for sealed and gel batteries. Is that for working clearances for watering? Are there any MidNite battery enclosures that would work for 8 ea. L16 flooded batteries? If not, any other recommendations for other manufactured enclosures that would work?
The reason we state that is because flooded batteries need a semi sealed box with ventilation and we (For Liability reasons) do not want to mislead the end user that they could just through flooded batteries in that box and be ok. That said if you seal it up and vent it than it would work. Of course you have to make the call on the decision if this box could be made to work
For flooded batteries, it seems like NEC 480.8(A) would also require a plastic or rubber mat under the batteries.
Quote from: LostLoon on January 28, 2016, 09:42:56 AM
MidNite very clearly states that the L16 configuration of this enclosure is for sealed and gel batteries. Is that for working clearances for watering? Are there any MidNite battery enclosures that would work for 8 ea. L16 flooded batteries? If not, any other recommendations for other manufactured enclosures that would work?
Hi LostLoon,
You stated one reason that many cabinet-style enclosures can hinder working with FLAs. In attrition, even looking into cells to determine water levels, and measuring SGs with many Hydrometers usually requires a significant amount of headroom.
And, perhaps an even more important consideration, is that Flooded batteries create electrolyte vapor, which often seems to condense on parts of an enclosure, even with active ventilation.
Painted, wooden enclosures seem to do quite well with the vapor.
If the enclosure has only a single layer of batteries, with generous working height to the top of the enclosure, this is often a good thing ...
Just stating the obvious. FWIW, Vic