Is it safe to recharge a jump starter indoors? Instructions mention explosive gases could be released.?

Question

I recently got a Black & Decker 450amp jump starter because I don't want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead car battery again. However, the instruction booklet mentions:

"There is a risk of explosive gases being released when lead acid batteries are being charged or discharged. Failure to follow instructions may cause property damage, explosive hazard, and/or personal injury."

The only place I have to charge this thing is indoors, and I've been putting off charging it because of this. It says a first-time charge must be done for 48 hours. I don't want to come home from work and find that my apartment has exploded. And I'd rather not use an extension cord to charge it outside where it might get rained on or stolen. So is it safe to charge this thing indoors or not?

Answer 1

I have a Die Hard 1150 amp jump starter I charge it in

my house.Haven`t had any problems. Have owned it for

two years.

Answer 2

You can probably get away with it but it is not recommended

because a lead-acid battery can release a flammable gas

above the battery during the charge.  Is it really a lead-acid

battery?  If indoors is your only option, a safety precaution of

eliminating ignition sources would improve your odds.  

Ignition sources are things like switches, motors, pilot lights,

some thermostats.  If your bathroom has a window, your bath

tub or shower (dry) would be a good place (if there are no

ignition sources) and if you can leave the little window open.

Someplace with ventilation is essential.  With an initial charge

time of 48 hours, the peak of risk is unlikely to happen in

the first 12 hours.  After 24 you will have full use of the charger

they say 48 for maximum electrical storage. So if you have to

unplug it in 24 hours it would be OK.

Answer 3

I wouldn't charge it indoors while you're not at home, that's for sure.  It's best to charge it outside, but if you must, then charge it in a closed area like the bathroom or a bedroom that you don't use, WITH the window open AND a fan going.  This will keep the gases from building up and possibly igniting.

Whenever a charge is put to a battery, hydrogen gas is formed which is highly explosive.  In small amounts, the danger is minimal but is still there.  By providing proper ventilation, the accumulation of the hydrogen will be kept to a minimum.

Good Luck and BE SAFE!!