How much hydrogen gas is produced when charging a golf cart?
The amounts of hydrogen gas produced during lead acid battery charging in golf carts far exceed 300 ppm. And, when that charging is done in a closed garage with the golf cart parked next to the heating system, the hydrogen is introduced into the home.
What is the problem with golf cart battery charging?
The amounts of hydrogen gas produced during lead acid battery charging in golf carts far exceed 300 ppm. And, when that charging is done in a closed garage with the golf cart parked next to the heating system, the hydrogen is introduced into the home. Thus the alarm. So what?s the problem other than nuisance alarms?
Why do golf carts have CO detectors?
Lots of golf carts being charged, but why the CO detector activations? Lead acid batteries do not emit carbon monoxide. Lead acid batteries do, however, emit hydrogen, and research gave us both the answer and alerted us to another problem.
What type of batteries are used in a GPS golf cart?
Golf carts tend to use lead acid batteries, like those used in cars; and typically create a very small amount of hydrogen when being charged. Hydrogen is an odorless and colorless gas that is flammable.
Do golf cart batteries emit carbon monoxide?
It was determined that lead batteries do not emit carbon monoxide. They do, however, emit hydrogen. It was also noted that carbon monoxide detectors will activate when exposed to high amounts of hydrogen. Hydrogen gas like carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas.
Will hydrogen gas set off a carbon monoxide detector?
The presence of hydrogen can generate false alarms for many carbon monoxide alarms or false/positive measurement readings on some combustion analyzer test instruments. This is important for consumers, emergency responders and the heating technician and others to know.
Why do golf carts catch fire?
Golf carts tend to use lead acid batteries, like those used in cars; and typically create a very small amount of hydrogen when being charged. Hydrogen is an odorless and colorless gas that is flammable.
How does a gas electric golf cart work?
Electric golf carts work by sending power from the battery to the motor. Upon receiving electric energy from the power bank, the motor turns the wheel, and the car will start to run.
Is hydrogen gas toxic?
For example, hydrogen is non-toxic. In addition, because hydrogen is much lighter than air, it dissipates rapidly when it is released, allowing for relatively rapid dispersal of the fuel in case of a leak. Some of hydrogen's properties require additional engineering controls to enable its safe use.
Is it safe to charge a golf cart in the garage?
Batteries should never be used longer than recommended by the manufacturer. When charging a golf cart, it is preferable to do so outside, but it is acceptable to charge them in a garage as long as the windows and door are open or it is otherwise well ventilated.
Why does my golf cart smell like it is burning?
A Burning-Like Smell Generally, when batteries run out of electrolytes or water, it produces a plastic burning-like smell. Checking the electrolyte level in the battery and maintaining the level can prevent this odor. At times, poor wiring causes trouble, and again a burning-like smell may behold.
How do you stop a fire in a golf cart?
Here are tips to prevent golf cart fires:Read and follow the instructions and warnings from the manufacturer.Only use the electrical cords and battery charger designated for the golf cart.Regularly check for damage to and / or leaks in the battery.Opt to set up a timer that controls when the battery is charged.More items...•
Are lithium batteries in golf carts safe?
Are Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Safe? Yes. LifePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is one of the safest battery chemistry available.
What kind of gas engines are in golf carts?
Gas-powered golf carts run on combustion engines. These engines are usually four-stroke, but older models might use two-stroke instead. They're fueled with regular gas like any car or truck.
How does a golf cart transmission work?
1:143:28How a golf cart CVT slip drive clutch works - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the rear drive clutch actually separates it widens causing the belt to drop down into the clutchMoreAnd the rear drive clutch actually separates it widens causing the belt to drop down into the clutch.
Is gas golf cart better than electric?
Reliability: Both carts are very reliable, but newer electrics do generally last longer than gas. On an electric cart, there are fewer parts and therefore fewer parts to go bad. with a gas cart, you have clutches, carb, fuel pump, belts, valves, starter and more.
What other gases can set off a carbon monoxide detector?
It is sometimes called the "silent killer." CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. CO can be produced when burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil or wood. CO is the product of incomplete combustion.
Can hydrogen be detected?
Hydrogen is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas. Industry, therefore, relies on hydrogen gas detectors to detect leaks. IGD has two technologies suitable for detecting hydrogen: pellistor sensors and electrochemical sensors.
What can cause false carbon monoxide readings?
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector false alarm may be caused by a few things including its proximity to fuel-burning appliances, exposure to humidity, or the low quality of the device itself. As the detector works to keep you and your home safe, the slightest environmental changes may cause more worry than peace of mind.
Do carbon monoxide detectors detect other gases?
Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Detector. The best option to detect harmful gas leaks is a hybrid alarm that detects both carbon monoxide and other explosive gases, such as methane, propane, and other natural gases.
Why are golf carts dangerous?
Riding golf carts is a way of life for many Floridians, but potential hazards come with the fun.The Seminole County Fire Department said it’s seen an uptick in the number of carbon monoxide alarm activations. Officials said the alarms are often caused by improper charging and storing of golf carts. In a recent demonstration, fire officials educated people on proper golf cart charging.Officials said hydrogen gas can emit from golf cart batteries and cause fires and explosions, especially when stored in a closed area, such as a garage. The fire department suggests charging golf carts outside or in well-ventilated areas and always have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.Lt. Tod Zellers of the Seminole County Fire Department said older golf cart batteries are more dangerous than the new ones.“The older chargers don’t shut off on their own. When they don’t shut off, they continue to pump electricity into the battery which heats up the fluid and the electrolyte inside the battery which produces more hydrogen gas,” Zellers said. Newer models of golf carts typically have batteries that automatically shut off. Some Seminole County residents, like Jim Greer, have both an older and newer model of the golf cart, but he doesn’t take any risks and chooses to store the two carts outside. “I don’t want to have any issues. The fires in the garage, anything that may not burn the house down, but could damage the property or hurt one of my family members,” Greer said.Officials also advised carefully reading and following the instructions and warnings from the manufacturer. Only use the electrical cords and battery charger that came with the golf cart.“We’re fortunate enough to get carbon monoxide alarms to go off for us and let us know something’s going on,” Zellers said.Other devices that could potentially cause fire hazards are hoverboards, toy cars for kids and some motorized devices.
Can you use a golf cart battery charger?
Officials also advised carefully reading and following the instructions and warnings from the manufacturer. Only use the electrical cords and battery charger that came with the golf cart.
Can golf cart batteries cause fires?
Officials said hydrogen gas can emit from golf cart batteries and cause fires and explosions, especially when stored in a closed area, such as a garage.
Do golf carts have batteries?
Newer models of golf carts typically have batteries that automatically shut off.
Is a golf cart battery dangerous?
Lt. Tod Zellers of the Seminole County Fire Department said older golf cart batteries are more dangerous than the new ones.
Can you plug in an electric golf cart in a garage?
Plugging in an electric golf cart inside a closed garage can cause more harm than many realize.
Is a golf cart dangerous?
Golf carts can be an easy and inexpensive way to get around town, but they can also become a danger in your own home. South Walton Fire District is trying to keep hydrogen gas from golf carts out of your lungs.
What happens when you charge a golf cart?
Golf carts tend to use lead acid batteries, like those used in cars; and typically create a very small amount of hydrogen when being charged. Hydrogen is an odorless and colorless gas that is flammable. It is not usually concerning but it can be if a very large battery is being charged in a small sealed enclosure, or charged incorrectly as recently reported by The Palm Beach Post in Florida. Palm Beach County Fire Marshal David DeRita told the newspaper that fire departments are seeing an increase in carbon monoxide calls that tend to actually be hydrogen-related. The fire official pointed out that when hydrogen is present, just touching a garage switch or garage door light, which work off electricity, could ignite fire. “We are talking about a double whammy here. If it doesn't suffocate you, it can kill you through a fire,” DeRita said.
How long does it take for a golf cart to charge?
For example, li-on battery models can be fully charged in four hours (or to 80% within an hour), as opposed to eight hours for lead acid batteries. The weight of lithium ion batteries are about two-thirds lighter too, which bodes well for wear and tear on carts. There is little information available about fire or other hazardous incidents involving lithium ion-charged golf carts but as we have learned in recent years, li ion batteries can explode or overheat; and given that golf carts tend to be used in outdoor locations where temperatures may run high, there is a possibility that we may hear of challenges in the future.
Why are golf carts so popular?
Global Market Insights and other trend-watchers, say that golf carts are popular because they are convenient, economical, and environmental alternatives for moving people short distances. The golf industry leads the user pack, as you might imagine. In 2018 alone, there were over 500 golf courses under development across the globe – and ...
Can lead acid batteries kill you?
If it doesn't suffocate you, it can kill you through a fire,” DeRita said. As part of their basic maintenance, lead acid batteries require distilled water to be added on a periodic basis. Until 2018, carts did not feature safety mechanisms that shut off charging if water levels ran too low.
Can hydrogen ignite a garage door?
The fire official pointed out that when hydrogen is present, just touching a garage switch or garage door light, which work off electricity, could ignite fire. “We are talking about a double whammy here. If it doesn't suffocate you, it can kill you through a fire,” DeRita said.
Do not fill up golf carts like regular car batteries?
He advised, "Do not fill them up like a regular car battery because the charger actually makes them percolate like a coffee maker.". Hazards can also arise when carts are charging. In September, WCSC-TV in South Carolina reported that improper golf cart charging resulted in nearly $60,000 in damage to a Seabrook Island home and van.
What Gas Do Golf Carts Take And Why?
This is because 87 octane has less than 10% ethanol, and most (if not all) manufacturers recommend 87 octanes for their carts and advise against using any other grade of fuel.
When Could You Use A Higher Octane Fuel In A Golf Cart?
The only time you could use a 93 octane or higher is when you are using the cart at altitude or if you have installed a high-performance engine. This is because where there is less oxygen, the fuel burns slower, and using a lower octane fuel like 87 could lead to a loss of power from the engine as there is less oxygen to fuel the ignition process.
What Fuels Do You Use For Yamaha, EZGO And Club Car?
For most of the major manufacturers, the recommended fuel is ‘unleaded’ and is essentially the same as you would use in your car, so this would be either 87 or 89, and if you are at altitude, you may need higher octane.
Is 87 Octane The Best Fuel For Golf Carts?
Since 2017, increasingly more opinions have been expressed that 87 Octane may not be the best fuel for golf carts. This has come around due to mechanical issues seen in golf carts like stalling, exhaust smoke, clogged carburetors, damaged fuel pumps, and dissolving of rubber components.
How to reduce gas level in golf car?
At home, the simplest way to reduce the level of the gas is to open your garage door or park the golf car outside.
What is a golf car battery?
Golf car deep-cycle Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) batteries contain lead plates submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. When you plug in your golf car charger and the batteries begin charging a chemical process begins with one of the by-products being the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas and its characteristic “rotten egg” odor.
What does it mean when golf car batteries smell like rotten eggs?
The rotten egg smell associated with your golf car batteries is hydrogen sulfide gas, a natural by-product of charging lead-acid batteries. It is a hazardous gas at moderate to high levels, but tolerable at low levels. #N#Open air or ventilation is the easiest way to eliminate it. Your batteries will eventually reduce the amount of gas produced.
How to eliminate gas smell in golf shed?
The best way to eliminate both the odor and any potentially harmful conditions is to simply allow air to remove the gas from the area. Most golf car sheds at golf courses are required to install air circulation systems to completely exchange the air in the “cart barn” a minimum of 5 times per hour. This avoids the build up of potentially hazardous or combustible levels and eliminates the odor.
Is hydrogen sulfide flammable?
Hydrogen sulfide gas is considered very poisonous, corrosive, and flammable, but low levels of the gas may be tolerated indefinitely. In terms of toxicity, H 2 S gas is like carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which can be harmful and is commonly associated with automobile exhaust.
Do golf car batteries produce hydrogen sulfide?
Additionally, your batteries may also produce a smaller amount of hydrogen sulfide gas when you give your golf car batteries an “equalization charge”, which purposely boils the solution in your batteries for a limited time. More about equalization charging in another article.
