Thunderhill - NorCal Shelby Spring event

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by glassman

So as i'm reviewing the data for this first track day event of mine, in the vehicle inspection section it says that if your batteries in the trunk (which mine is) it has to be in an "container". Mine is bolted down (pics on my build thread comin up this weekend), but do i really really need a container? Cause of sparks? impact? close to the fuel tank? what is the purpose of this? i am a "safety" first kinda guy and understand the "theory", just not on this one. Please "enlighten" me, thanx....

Even though these aren't "boxes" per se, they are just still called that as an example.

http://www.ubmachine.com/batteryboxes.html

[Track Junky]

Originally Posted by glassman

So as i'm reviewing the data for this first track day event of mine, in the vehicle inspection section it says that if your batteries in the trunk (which mine is) it has to be in an "container". Mine is bolted down (pics on my build thread comin up this weekend), but do i really really need a container? Cause of sparks? impact? close to the fuel tank? what is the purpose of this? i am a "safety" first kinda guy and understand the "theory", just not on this one. Please "enlighten" me, thanx....

Actually that is a pretty good question. Why would they not require a container for a battery that is under the hood. NASA doesn't require the battery in the trunk to be in a container but they do require that the tops of the terminals be covered and allowed me to use duct tape. I never did ask them why even though at the time I thought it was odd but never really gave it much thought.

[Track Junky]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

What good is that going to do Jody... sitting in a garage??

Trouble maker...

[intocarss]

Great, you all pick a get together the weekend of a big dwarf car race and my B day. Wonder If I can sneak away

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by Track Junky

Actually that is a pretty good question. Why would they not require a container for a battery that is under the hood. NASA doesn't require the battery in the trunk to be in a container but they do require that the tops of the terminals be covered and allowed me to use duct tape. I never did ask them why even though at the time I thought it was odd but never really gave it much thought.

Maybe it's the fumes if any acid leaks, IDK ..NHRA doesn't require it and they are the king of rules lol

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by intocarss

Great, you all pick a get together the weekend of a big dwarf car race and my B day. Wonder If I can sneak away

Isn't that an oxymoron?

[Jtomas801]

Originally Posted by Flash68

Isn't that an oxymoron?

Isn't that what a blue camaro with ford stripes is?

How's it going Dave?

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by Jtomas801

Isn't that what a blue camaro with ford stripes is?

How's it going Dave?

Yes, yes it is.

It is going quite well, thank you for asking.

Hope to be doing more driving and less mouthing off soon.

[Jtomas801]

Good to hear Dave, I have to do less sitting around and start working on my car more.

Actually that is a pretty good question. Why would they not require a container for a battery that is under the hood. NASA doesn't require the battery in the trunk to be in a container but they do require that the tops of the terminals be covered and allowed me to use duct tape. I never did ask them why even though at the time I thought it was odd but never really gave it much thought.

I can't remember where I read it but I thought if you have a sealed battery you didn't need a container. On the covering of terminals, it is intended to try and protect the battery from shorting out if some thing came in contact with the terminals, possibly in a crash.

Edit:
Per NASA CCR:

11.4.9
Battery
The battery should be securely fastened to the car. No Bungee cords or rubber cords may be used to function as the sole hold down mechanism. An electrically non-conductive material should cover the positive battery terminal. Any battery located inside the driver’s compartment should be fully covered and firmly secured to the chassis (or tub) in a marine type battery case. Dry cell, gel cell, and AGM batteries may be mounted without a surrounding case, however a case is still recommended.

Jon

[GregWeld]

Now to actually answer your question Mike.


NO it does not have to be in a container. Mine is not - it is however - securely fastened. The car has passed TECH about a zillion times.


You should be good to go.


In the days of LEAD ACID batteries - containers were used to keep the battery from being punctured and throwing acid all over the place. I think that's a rule that harkens back to the 70's.