The most noticeable thing about AGM batteries for cars is that they offer a higher starting amp. They also allow your vehicle’s electronics to run for longer durations. This type of battery is most commonly used in cars and thus it is very common for people to have questions like do AGM batteries need to be vented?

Whether or not AGM batteries need venting, you’ll find out in this blog. Additionally, you also find answers to do LiFePO4 batteries need to be vented, do lithium batteries need ventilation, and the like. Let’s start this learning journey by first learning in detail about AGM batteries.

What are AGM Batteries?

The full form of AGM is Absorbent Glass Mat batteries. This popular battery type has a wide range of uses. It’s used alongside the likes of gel mats or lead-acid batteries.

These batteries became popular in the 1980s and today they are used in trucks, boats, cars, submarines, etc.

The AGM battery gets its name from its construction on the inside. It has a special glass mat separator within the battery casing. This separator absorbs the electrolyte solution between the battery plates.

In AGM batteries, instead of floating around in the water, the electrolyte solution stays absorbed in the glass mat. Even if the battery casing is turned over or damaged, the electrolyte will never spill. This is why this battery offers much more safety than other batteries. Now, let’s see do AGM batteries need to be vented.

Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?

JAN 23 Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?Despite what anyone tells you, AGM batteries still need to be vented. Some people believe that AGM batteries don’t need to be vented cause they come with a maintenance-free tag. However, there are a plethora of reasons why you should vent AGM car batteries.

Firstly, the glass mat of AGM batteries absorbs the hydrogen produced. Thus, instead of getting released into the air, the hydrogen remains inside the battery. If this trapped gas is not released into the air, over time, it transforms into an explosive material.

However, don’t panic, even if an explosion does happen, it will not be powerful enough to kill someone or cause serious damage. But as the saying it’s always battery to be safe than sorry.

To keep the car battery as well as its performance healthy, it’s good to vent the car’s battery from time to time. If you don’t vent the batteries for a long time, they will start having issues like corrosion damage. After learning do AGM batteries need to be vented, let’s see what happens if you don’t vent them.

What Happens If You Don’t Vent An AGM Battery?

The most notable danger of not venting an AGM battery is the possibility of an explosion. Here’s how this explosion can happen-

  • As you have learned before that all the batteries produce hydrogen as a byproduct of their charging process.
  • In AGM batteries, the produced hydrogen is absorbed and contained by the absorbent glass mats.
  • However, when the battery is overcharged or charged too fast, it starts producing too much hydrogen for its glass mats to absorb.
  • The access hydrogen produced fills the battery casing until it comes out through the battery case’s built-in valve(s).
  • The hydrogen starts forming a pocket inside the enclosed space, whether the battery room or battery compartment.
  • As soon as the hydrogen reaches dangerous concentration levels, it just takes a tiny spark to set off an explosion. Other batteries or nearby motors are the common sources of the sparks when they kick in.

A battery explosion can lead to expensive replacements or repairs, structural fires, physical injuries, and even death to anyone nearby.

The risk of such explosions is a reality and that’s why many industries have regulations on how to store batteries of all kinds, how to handle them, and also how to vent them. Even when there is no such regulation, battery manufacturers still include safety guidance to prevent any such accidents from taking place.

Also Read: What is Battery Life?

Do AGM Batteries Emit Dangerous Gasses?

JAN 23 Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?Generally, the thing about batteries is that as the byproducts of their charging processes, they produce gasses. The most remarkable gas produced is hydrogen as its highly explosive at high enough concentrations. And what’s worse is that whenever batteries are overcharged or are charging too fast, the hydrogen comes out at much faster rates. Although this might sound unlikely, the truth is that fast charging and overcharging happen more often than you realize.

Also See: Charging Battery Bank with Generator

Do AGM Batteries Emit The Same Gasses As Conventional Lead-Acid Ones?

Yes, AGM batteries do emit the same gasses as conventional lead-acid ones. They do produce hydrogen as a byproduct. However, the hydrogen that comes out of the AGM battery casing is quite tiny compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. You may be curious about the reason for this. Well, it’s because of the glass mats of AGM batteries. These mats absorb the hydrogen that’s produced. This is why little or none of this hydrogen gets out of the battery.

Still, it isn’t safe to treat AGM batteries as batteries that never emit any explosive hydrogen.

Also Read: What is Battery Energy Storage?

How to Vent an AGM Battery?

Now that you have learned the answer to do AGM batteries need to be vented, the next question in your mind must be how to vent an AGM battery. Initially, keep in mind that no matter what your venting approach is, the goal must be to keep the possible hydrogen concentrations lower than 4%.

The 4% concentration level is known as the lower explosive limit (LEL) of hydrogen gas. So, if you keep things beneath this level, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Beyond that, you should also know that the rules of venting AGM batteries differ for different applications. Some industries are heavily regulated about the handling of AGM batteries. On the other hand, other industries provide some industry standards to be followed.

Here are two examples of venting rules for an AGM battery in different vehicles-

Ventilation Rules For AGM Batteries On Boats

In the case of boats, the batteries are strictly regulated. The US Coast Guard has placed several rules regarding boat batteries-

  • The battery should be secured so that it is unable to move even an inch in any direction.
  • Additionally, the batteries can’t be installed directly below or above fuel filters, fuel tanks, or fuel lining fittings.
  • Finally, no matter what battery you use, you must vent it. It is to allow the hydrogen gas to discharge.

Also See: All About Fuel Cell Advantages

Ventilation Rules For AGM Batteries On Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

There are many industry standards about recreational vehicles that state that their battery compartments must have ventilation. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RCIA) also specifies the minimum sizes and required placement of those vents on the battery compartment. This allows for better standardization throughout the industry.

How Do I Know If The Car Battery Needs To Be Vented?

JAN 23 Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?Well, your car will tell you when its battery needs to be vented. You just need to look out for the following signs-

1. Bloated Battery: Whenever you are checking on your battery during regular maintenance, always look at its appearance. Check for any bloating. If it does looks bloated, this could be a sign to vent the battery.

2. Strange Odor: This is one of the first things that will tell you your car battery needs to be vented out. You will notice a strange odor in your car.

3. Fuel Leakage: This can happen due to many reasons but it can also occur due to a gas release in the battery and indicate it needs venting.

4. Excessive Heat: Without enough pressure, the battery’s valve cannot open and close. This issue can cause a temperature rise which hints that you need to vent the battery.

5. Charge Draining: If your car’s AGM battery is discharging faster, you may need to check on the battery. See if anything is wrong with it and if needs to be vented.

Also Read: Alkaline Battery vs Lithium Battery-Which is Better?

What are Advantages Of AGM Batteries?

These are a few advantages of AGM batteries-

  • They offer more electronic energy than conventional batteries. Thus AGM batteries make it quick and easy to start the vehicle.
  • They help power up the electronic parts of cars and help them have high performance.
  • Even when AGM batteries aren’t in use, they can still hold a charge longer. They have a slow discharge rate.
  • This type of battery is spill free as its electronic components are held together using plates.
  • This type of battery can be mounted in any flexible position as it doesn’t cause any leakage.
  • These batteries are also vibration resistant. Thus, they are excellent for powering water vehicles.
  • Lastly, these batteries last way longer than conventional batteries.

What are Disadvantages Of AGM Batteries?

Although AGM batteries have a lot of advantages, they aren’t free of drawbacks. These are a few disadvantages of AGM batteries-

  • AGM batteries are high-end batteries and manufacturing them is a costly affair. These batteries are quite expensive compared to conventional batteries.
  • You will need a definite charger for these batteries to monitor the battery’s volts, temperature, and amps.
  • The AGM batteries can’t be tested by most old battery testers.
  • With time, these batteries discharge faster after losing their charging capacity.

Also Read: 5 Major Disadvantages of Hybrid Inverter

Do AGM Batteries Have Vent Tubes?

Although some people believe that AGM batteries do not have vent tubes, they actually do. They have small holes like vents. By using thin tubbings and connecting them to these holes, you can easily vent out these batteries.

Can AGM Batteries be Mounted Inside?

Yes, it’s very possible to mount AGM batteries inside. In fact, you can mount them more flexibly than conventional batteries. When you are mounting a conventional battery, you are required to keep it upright to ensure proper liquid flow as well as prevent any leakage. However, there is no such issue with an AGM battery. These batteries allow you to mount them freely.

Also See: Can Hybrid Inverter Work Without Battery?

Are AGM Batteries Safe Inside the Vehicle?

AGM batteries aren’t toxic and inhaling the gas they produce doesn’t cause any health issues. Although the gas that gets accumulated inside the battery over time may cause it to explode if not vented. However, this does not pose a serious threat.

Do LiFePO4 Batteries Need to be Vented?

After understanding do AGM batteries need to be vented, you might also be wondering do LiFePO4 batteries need to be vented. The answer to this is no. These batteries do not require any ventilation as they do not produce any toxic and dangerous gases.

LiFePO4 batteries are one of the safest batteries on the market. They provide you with about 2000 to 5000 cycles and with proper care they can work for about 10 years. However, this maintenance does not require any venting.

This is because LiFePO4 technology does not produce hydrogen gas, or any other toxic and dangerous gasses. That’s the difference between LiFePO4 and other batteries. They are completely sealed and thus need no venting.

Compared to other batteries, LiFePO4 batteries have extremely stable lithium chemistry. It contains naturally safe cathode material-iron phosphate. As a result, this battery does not produce dangerous gases and needs no ventilation.

Also Read: Can You Use Regular Rechargeable Batteries In Solar Lights?

Why Do Batteries Need Venting?

JAN 23 Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?Some batteries release dangerous and toxic gas like hydrogen, which are very explosive, unhealthy, and corrosive. For instance, if we talk about lead acid batteries, they tend to generate an explosive mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas during charging.

And if this battery is overcharged, it can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a very flammable and poisonous gas. So, if it isn’t properly vented, there is a high chance that it will build up and create a hazardous explosion.

On top of that, these toxic gases are extremely contaminating and can make the air quite unhealthy for inhaling in a confined space. You can get breathing and other health issues if you inhale the contaminated air. This is why you should properly vent these batteries so that these gases do not build up and create an unhealthy environment.

However, this isn’t applicable for batteries like LiFePO4 batteries cause they don’t produce any toxic gases like hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide gas. It is only applicable for batteries like sealed lead acid and lead acid, which produce harmful gases. After this, let’s explore are LiFePO4 batteries safe indoors.

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Are LiFePO4 Batteries Safe Indoors?

Currently, LiFePO4 batteries are the safest ones on the market. They are very safe to use indoors as well. As you know, the LiFePO4 batteries don’t release the ever-dangerous hydrogen gas and thus they don’t make your indoor environment air toxic.

Even a study conducted by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore Nation University states that the LiFePO4 batteries are safe to store inside your RV, house, or any indoors. All you need to do is follow the store guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your LiFePO4 batteries.

So, in short, keeping LiFePO4 indoors won’t cause you health issues. Additionally, an improved integrated battery management system and the optimization of the stability of the internal structure can make the LiFePO4 battery safer (even indoors).

Do LiFePO4 Batteries Get Hot?

After learning are LiFePO4 batteries safe indoors, let’s also see if they get hot or not. Generally, these batteries do not get hot. This is because the battery system does not generate any heat. According to many studies, LiFePO4 batteries do not generate any heat during charging as well as discharging.

As a result, you don’t need to put any spacing between the cells as it won’t help cool this type of battery. However, you do need to keep these batteries in a cool place because the temperature can greatly impact the overall lifespan of the cells.

Can A LiFePO4 Battery Explode?

Generally, LiFePO4 batteries don’t explode or even ignite. Although these batteries are safer to use, still in some extreme cases, all batteries always have an inherited chance of short-circuiting. It’s entirely because of the material ratio, selection, and usage.

In any normal circuit, electrons flow between electrodes through an external circuit. But in the case of a short circuit, the electrons flow directly between electrodes, bypassing the intervening load, and generating excessive heat.

The material of the LiFePO4 battery is thermodynamical. It has the highest level of structurally and thermally stable cathode materials. Even actual safety performance tests have proven this point.

So, the chances of LiFePO4 batteries exploding are very slim. But it’s also not right to totally rule out this possibility. A loose terminal connection can ignite or spark a battery. So, always make sure to purchase your batteries from a reliable manufacturer.

Are LiFePO4 Batteries a Fire Risk?

No, the LiFePO4 batteries do not have any fire risk if you are using them properly. Even in a case of abuse, the phosphate-based cathode material will not burn as they aren’t prone to thermal runaway.

Compared to Lithium-ion batteries, the LiFePO4 batteries are more stable under short circuit or overcharge conditions. They can tolerate high temperatures without decomposing. So even if you mishandle these batteries, the chances of them catching fire is very low.

What Safety Features Do LiFePO4 Batteries Have?

Throughout this blog, you have learned that the LiFePO4 batteries are among the safest battery on the market, you should also learn about the safety features of these batteries. Some of the safety features of LiFePO4 are-

  • Built-In Safety Fuse
  • Explosion Proof Stainless Steel
  • High-Pressure Safety Vent
  • Flame Retardant Addictive In Electrolyte
  • Over-Temperature Protection
  • Strong Spot-Welded Connections

Also Read: How Many Batteries for 1000 Watt Solar System?

Do Lithium Batteries Need Ventilation?

Unlike other batteries, lithium batteries don’t produce gas. However, they do need to be ventilated to prevent thermal runaway. If your battery gets too hot, it can reach a point where it explodes. Even Lithium-ion batteries don’t need to be ventilated. With this, you must have understood do lithium batteries need ventilation and what are Lithium ion battery ventilation requirements. After this, let’s learn about VRLA battery ventilation requirements.

What are VRLA Battery Ventilation Requirements?

After understanding lithium ion battery ventilation requirements, let’s also learn about VRLA battery ventilation requirements. A VRLA battery stands for Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery. This maintenance-free battery is a type of Lead-acid rechargeable battery. A VRLA battery doesn’t require any strict ventilation. You can mount this battery in any orientation. There are reduced VRLA battery ventilation requirements and thus VRLA batteries have an advantage. After this, let’s explore battery charging ventilation requirements.

What are Battery Charging Ventilation Requirements?

While charging, most batteries will produce hydrogen. Thus there is a need for ventilation. However, there are certain battery types like lithium metal polymer and lithium-ion that do not require ventilation. You should however always consult the manufacturer’s data to determine the appropriate ventilation requirements for your battery. With this, you have learned about the battery charging ventilation requirements for different batteries. You now have a clear about do AGM batteries need to be vented.

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

2 Comments

  1. Did I miss the process for venting an AGM battery? Is it an automatic process controlled by a valve or is there a manual process, as well?

    • Dear Reader (JettaRed),
      First, we would like to thank you for being our reader and also appreciate you for bringing this to us. You did not miss the process, but as the process was risky, and we do not recommend our readers risk their safety, we kept it concise with basic information.

      But for your ease, I am sharing a stepwise process to manually vent your AGM battery. It is possible to perform the process manually by yourself, but we highly recommend hiring a professional for venting the battery. So, prioritize safety and seek expert assistance for battery-related issues.

      1.Evaluate the situation: Only vent the AGM battery if necessary, and make sure to take proper safety precautions.
      2.Protect yourself: Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety glasses, and respirators to stay safe from possible dangers.
      3.Isolate the battery: Disconnect the battery from any power source or device. This is important to avoid accidental electrical shocks or short circuits.
      4.Choose a well-ventilated area: Vent in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Good airflow helps dissipate any gases released quickly.
      5.Contact the manufacturer: It is crucial to reach out to the battery manufacturer or a professional before proceeding, in order to obtain guidance on venting procedures specifically for your AGM battery model.
      6.Follow manufacturer instructions: Follow the instructions given by the battery manufacturer. They might advise against venting or give a procedure to follow if venting is needed.
      7.Open the battery case: Open the battery case carefully with the right tools or methods according to the instructions. Pay attention to any warnings or precautions from the manufacturer.
      8.Ventilation method: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines precisely for ventilation, including their recommended fan or ventilation system, to ensure proper venting.
      9.Secure the battery: Take appropriate measures to maintain stability and prevent tipping during the venting process in case it is damaged or leaking.
      10.Monitor the process: Ensure that you maintain a safe distance from the battery during the venting process. Also, constantly monitor the situation to ensure that the process is proceeding as expected.

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