Part 4 Vessel Systems and Machinery

Chapter 8 Electrical Systems

Section 4 Shipboard Installation and Tests 4-8-4

5.1.5(b) Procedure of maintenance. Procedures are to be put in place to show that, where
batteries are replaced, they are to be of an equivalent performance type. Details of the schedule,
procedures, and the maintenance records are to be included in the ship’s safety management
system and integrated into the ship’s operational maintenance routine, as appropriate, which
are to be verified by the Surveyor.

5.1.6 Replacement of Batteries (2005)

Where a vented type battery (See Note 1) replaces a valve-regulated, sealed type battery (See
Note 2), the requirements in 4-8-4/5.3 are to be complied with on the basis of the charging
capacity.
Notes:
1 A vented battery is one in which the cells have a cover provided with an opening through
which products of electrolysis and evaporation are allowed to escape freely from the cells to
atmosphere.
2 A valve-regulated battery is one in which cells are closed but have an arrangement (valve)
which allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

5.3 Lead-acid or Alkaline Battery Storage Locations

5.3.1 Battery Room

5.3.1(a) General. Where a group of accumulator batteries is connected to charging devices
with total output of more than 2 kW, it is to be installed in a battery room dedicated to
batteries only. No other electrical equipment is to be installed in the battery room except that
necessary for operational purposes. Each of such equipment is to be of a certified safe type for
battery room atmosphere. See also 4-8-4/27.5.3.
5.3.1(b) Ventilation of battery room. Battery room is to be ventilated to avoid accumulation
of flammable gas. Natural ventilation may be employed if ducts can be led directly from the
top of the battery room to the open air above, with an opening for air inlet near the floor.
If natural ventilation is impractical, mechanical exhaust ventilation is to be provided with fan
intake at the top of the room. Fan motor is to be of certified safe type, and fan is to be of non-
sparking construction (see 4-8-3/11). The fan is to be capable of completely changing the air
in the battery room in not more than two minutes. An alternative fan capacity may be
provided if it is able to maintain the flammable gases within the battery room to a level below
the lower explosive limit (L.E.L.) at the maximum battery charging current. Where the
ventilation capacity is based on low-hydrogen emission type batteries (see also 4-8-4/5.5), a
warning notice to this effect is to be displayed in a visible place in the battery room.
5.3.1(c) Corrosion protection in battery room. Interior of the battery room including
structural members, shelves, ventilation inlets and outlets are to be coated with paint resistant
to the electrolyte used in the batteries. Shelves for lead acid batteries are to have watertight
lining of sheet lead not less than 1.6 mm (1/8 in.) thick, and carried up not less than 75 mm
(3 in.) on all sides; and that for alkaline batteries of sheet steel not less than 0.8 mm (1/16 in.)
thick. Alternatively, the entire battery room may be fitted with a watertight lead pan (or steel
for alkaline batteries), over the entire deck, carried up not less than 150 mm (6 in.) on all
sides.
5.3.1(d) Battery trays. For purposes of heat dissipation during equalizing charge, appropriate
air spaces are to be provided around each battery. Where placed in trays, batteries are to be
chocked with wood strips or equivalent to prevent movement and each battery is to be
supported in the tray with nonabsorbent insulator on the bottom and at the sides or with
equivalent provision to secure air-circulation space all around each tray.

662 ABS RULES FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING STEEL VESSELS . 2009