OverStimulated wrote:I'm confused... The rules don't require battery boxes, only secure mounting and covered positive terminals (at a minimum). We've never had an issue in tech with our mounting and taped terminals.
I think you're right to be confused. It appears that the rules (as written) no longer accurately reflect what is applied on the ground at Tech in regard to batteries. The rule (as written) is as follows:
The Rules wrote:3.14: Battery: All batteries must be fully secured via proper, purpose-built battery brackets, battery frames, or sealed battery boxes. Zip ties, bungee cords, duct tape, macrame plant holders, and other lame workarounds won't cut it. Positive ("hot") terminals must be in a sealed battery box or covered with insulating material.
However, it seems to have become the de facto rule that if you relocate the battery to the passenger compartment, the battery must be either (a) completely sealed or (b) in a sealed battery box or covered with insulating material. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that tech also wants the positive terminals covered with insulating material (e.g. electrical tape) even when the positive terminal is inside a sealed battery box.
I suspect that this is all to make sure that we don't slosh battery acid on the drivers in the event of a collision and/or rollover or short the positive battery leads against the chassis and start an electrical fire.
But it does seem like a situation that deserves some clarification since the rule as written and the rule as applied appear to not be the same thing. We can all agree that we just want to keep our drivers safe, and that we all want to pass tech, so it would be helpful to have an official ruling on this, and maybe a rules update to reflect that.
John, you want to weigh in here? Please?
Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67
Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.