what will happen if an SLA battery is overcharged for a few hours?

** When fully charged and under charge, a SLA battery voltage rises to about 2.75 volts per cell. So 8.25 volts for a 3 cell battery.

If charging continues at high current ( say at the 1 hour rate) - the cell will explode violently.

I once knew a fellow who fell asleep while trying to quick charge his 12 volt SLA - he woke up with a HELL of a fright with bits of SLA battery all over the bedroom !!

....... Phil

Say, where did you get the 2.75V per cell figure?

This site

says that

2.50V/cell is pretty much the max for SLAs, with the exception of Hawker Cyclone batteries (2.60V).

Yep, I forgot to mention, I'm charging 6V SLA, with a wall-wart power supply that's limited to about 1A max.

Ok, thanks. That hasn't happened to me yet... ;-)

Michael

** Some of us have actual experience of things - d*****ad.

You only need a voltmeter to verify the figure with any SLA battery.

Make sure it is an SLA battery, not a wet cell that outgasses when overcharged.

...... Phil

Some of us actually know how to read and cite references. None of the ones I found recommend as high a voltage as 2.75V per cell.

So, I ask you again. Where did you get the 2.75V per cell figure?

Put up or shut up.

Michael