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[Shackeng]

After MANTAGTE's disaster story, I promptly removed mine. I would like an expert to comment on why, as has been mentioned on OOF, it can still burst into flames even when disconnected from its charging cct. I recall that there is a phenomenon called 'thermal runaway' which can affect Nicad batteries, but as I recall, this is triggered during the charging cycle, so why would it occur to a non charged battery? :-?

[Dave DND]

Most of the powersounder "issues" are from the result of the internal batteries reaching the end of their lifespan.

Whether prolonged exposure to constant charging / discharging, or moisture exposure, or poor quality build (doubtfull after being on there for so long) the end result is usually the same, the seals on the batteries break down and the acidic chemical inside leak out and start to corrode anything they come into contact with.

Sometimes this can cause a short circuit, which can lead to combustion if still connected on the car, or there is still enough juice in the internal batteries to heat up, or can simply be a case of immense heat being generated internally by the acid corrosion taking place.

I know there are many horror stories about these sounders, but I do not see why any suspect sounder cannot be simply replaced to give another ten years of trouble free service - call it preventative maintenance if you like.

 

[Shackeng]

Thanks Dave, but why should they explode once disconnected? :-?

[tidla]

mine has been disconnected for 12 months now after reading other horror stories. it is still fitted to the vehicle thou. planning to fully take it out next time the scuttles off.

as mentioned the charge and discharge process degrades the power sounder battery.

is further degrodation likely disconnected?

[Dave DND]

Thanks Dave, but why should they explode once disconnected? :-?

It can happen, but INCREDIBLY rare to happen if disconnected. But at the end of the day, once acid has started to leak out, it doesn`t stop just because you unplug it.

[Shackeng]

Thanks Dave, but why should they explode once disconnected? :-?

It can happen, but INCREDIBLY rare to happen if disconnected. But at the end of the day, once acid has started to leak out, it doesn`t stop just because you unplug it.

Ahh, so its not thermal runaway but leaking acid. (Although NiCads use alkaline IIRC.)

[Dave DND]

Thanks Dave, but why should they explode once disconnected? :-?

It can happen, but INCREDIBLY rare to happen if disconnected. But at the end of the day, once acid has started to leak out, it doesn`t stop just because you unplug it.

Ahh, so its not thermal runaway but leaking acid. (Although NiCads use alkaline IIRC.)

I`m no chemist, so cannot comment on the composition, but  whatever you want to call the chemical, its very corrosive !!

Not familiar enough with "thermal runaway" to comment on that one, but I`m sure someone else will add something shortly

 

[Shackeng]

One a/c I operated had NiCads, and thermal runaway was always an issue to be wary of. Clearly, if you disconnected the battery AFTER thermal runaway had commenced, then you could possibly still lose the battery to explosion, but if it was still in its 'normal' state, no problem.

[Kieran]

Is there a link somewhere on how to remove the Powersounder.

Cheers

[RobG]

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1220198611