Can Marine Battery Get Wet? 6 Tips to Avoid
Marine batteries are designed to endure unfriendly and unique aquatic environments. They are engineered to offer consistent power for extended periods for boats and other marine vessels. They are capable of withstanding intense vibrations, shocks, fluctuating temperatures, and moisture.
Although marine batteries are made to withstand splashes and moisture, exposure to water can still affect and destroy them. In this article, we will learn whether your marine battery can get wet and how to prevent it.
Can Marine Batteries Get Wet?
Marine batteries are specially manufactured to power boats and other marine vessels and to withstand harsh conditions such as intense vibrations and wetness. Although marine batteries are specially designed for boats, they are not waterproof.
They can only withstand minimal exposure to water, such as light rain and splashes. Although the casing and terminals are sealed off to keep water from entering the battery, you should not submerge them in water. Marine batteries have tiny crevices where water can still find its way inside the battery.
Observe the following proactive measures to ensure the longevity and optimum performance of your marine battery.
- Proper Battery Installation — Ensure the battery is installed correctly where it’s unlikely to come into contact with water. To prevent water contact, mount it on an elevated surface.
- Battery Boxes — Specialized battery boxes or trays are designed to secure the battery and keep it dry. They are simple enclosures that provide an extra layer of protection from water exposure, rain, and splashes.
- Timely Maintenance — Inspect the battery and its connections for any early signs of water damage, leakage, and corrosion. Also, remember to clean the battery and wipe it regularly, especially in moisture-prone areas and terminals, to prevent water accumulation and corrosion.
Most Vulnerable Areas for Water Exposure
Parts of the marine battery that are vulnerable to water exposure and are likely to experience water damage include.
1. Moisture on the Terminal Side
If you are a boat owner, one of the key precautions to observe is to ensure the topside of the battery is always away from water exposure and dry. If water touches the terminals, it will cause:
- Short-Circuiting - When water splashes on the terminals, it creates a conductive or electrical pathway, which causes a short circuit.
- Corrosion — When water, especially salty water, comes into contact with battery terminals and connectors, they corrode. The corrosion causes poor electrical conductivity, heightened resistance, and potential engine failure.
2. Submerged Base in Water
Contrary to what most people believe, a battery’s plastic casing should not be submerged in water. Here are reasons why you should not immerse the base in water.
- Electrolyte Contamination - Water steadily enters through the battery case and mixes and dilutes the electrolyte, reducing the battery performance's effectiveness. The electrolyte contamination decreases the battery capacity and shortens its lifespan.
- Structural Damage — If the battery base is submerged in water for an extended time, it weakens the case and internal components. This makes the battery prone to leakages and structural failure, which damages its performance and safety.
3. Seeping through Box Joints
Marine batteries have joints that may allow water to seep into the interior parts of the battery undetected. The small undetected leaks will build up inside the battery slowly, causing internal corrosion, slow degradation, and damage to the battery.
4. Flooding Via Vents
When the marine battery is exposed to too much water, the electrolyte mixes with water, causing flooding within the battery. The mixture starts leaking out of the battery through the vent caps. Some of the effects of flooding through the vents include safety hazards to the people around, damage to the other components in the boat, environmental pollution, and marine life.
Other effects of flooding through the vents are corrosion and damage to terminals, electrical wiring, and other components in the boat. It may also significantly reduce the battery’s life or damage it. To prevent flooding via vents, waterproof the battery, ensure proper ventilation and keep the battery from water exposure.
4 Bad Results to Marine Batteries If Getting Wet
Exposure to wetness will affect marine batteries' performance and durability. Other adverse effects that will manifest if your marine battery is exposed to water include:
1. Short Circuit
If water enters the battery casing, it comes into contact with the terminals and interior components, which causes the battery to create electrical pathways and short-circuit. Short circuits can cause malfunctioning, overheating, fire, or battery explosion.
2. Corrosion
Another adverse effect of marine batteries getting wet is corrosion on the terminals and internal components. Water, especially saline water, is highly corrosive to the battery’s terminals, connectors, and internal components. Rust can cause reduced battery efficiency, increased resistance, permanent failure, or damage.
3. Reduced Battery Performance
If water enters the battery, it reacts with the internal components and interrupts the chemical process of the battery. This affects the battery’s ability to store and deliver power efficiently.
Corroded or wet terminals cause poor conductivity, making it hard for the battery to power the boat's engine and the electric system effectively.
4. Safety Risks
If water reacts with the liquid electrolyte in some marine batteries (lead-acid/lithium), it causes dangerous chemical reactions. This may result in battery overheating or explosion.
When water mixes with electrolyte, the caustic solution may leak out of the battery, posing serious health risks to nearby personnel.
6 Tips to Prevent Lithium Marine Batteries from Water Exposure
Exposing your marine battery to water might irreparably damage it, and you will incur losses in replacing it. That’s why you should take proactive measures to ensure your battery is safe from water damage for optimum performance. Here are tips to help you protect your lithium marine battery from water exposure.
1. Battery Placement
The first step to ensuring the safety of your marine battery is its placement or position on the boat. Ensure the place where you intend to install your battery is elevated to avoid contact with water. Also, ensure the place is well-ventilated and easily accessible for regular maintenance.
2. Proper Wiring and Connections
Good quality wiring and connections ensure proper power distribution throughout the boat. Use marine-grade cables and connectors to ensure battery connections are secure and can withstand long durations of exposure to marine conditions. Remember to inspect and clean battery terminals regularly and remove any corrosion build-up.
3. Use Battery Boxes
Another important method of protecting your battery is by using battery boxes. The boxes are designed to shield the battery from water and dirt while providing ventilation to the battery. They are affordable and can protect our battery from water-related damage.
4. Covering the Battery
You can cover your battery if you are not using a waterproof tarp or any other effective material if you are not using a battery box. The covering keeps the battery protected from moisture and rain.
5. Regular Maintenance
Regularly scheduled maintenance will go a long way in ensuring the battery stays in good working condition. Look out for cracks on the casing, loose connections, or water damage. If your battery is already damaged, consider replacing it.
6. Use Corrosion Protection
Protect your marine battery from water damage by applying dielectric grease or specialized spray to create a water-resistant barrier. Also, you can use plastic or rubber terminal covers to keep the terminals from water exposure.
Also, ensure the battery is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up. Inspect the battery regularly, and reapply the protective grease when needed.
Final Thoughts
While its true marine batteries are specially designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, such as severe vibrations and moisture, you should not submerge the battery in water or expose it to too much water. Additionally, consider upgrading your marine battery to high-quality lithium for better experience and longevity.
Renogy marine lithium batteries are well-sealed for superior water resistance, enhanced durability, and high performance. Implementing the above guidelines will allow you to enjoy an efficient and reliable marine battery.
FAQs About Marine Battery
1. What will happen to my marine battery if it gets wet?
Your marine battery is designed to perform optimally when exposed to minor water contact, such as light rain or splashes.
However, if the water touches the connections or the casing, it may cause the battery to malfunction. Some of the issues that may arise include a short circuit, which may damage the electrical system of your vessel.
Another major issue that may arise is corrosion, which weakens the terminals and affects the battery’s performance. Extended exposure to water eventually causes battery failure, thus shortening its lifespan.
2. Can I waterproof my marine lithium battery?
You can waterproof your battery to prevent water damage. To effectively waterproof your battery, coat it with silicone or rubberized paint. Keep the terminals and other essential components accessible.
Additionally, you can use a conformal coating on the circuit board. However, before using any sealant, seek an expert opinion. Some sealants may harm your battery. Also, consider using marine-grade and waterproof battery boxes.
