Don't Bogey Your Batteries!!!

Charge Your Golf Cart Safely

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responds to countless Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm activations. However, many of these activations are caused by HYDROGEN GAS that results from improperly charging of golf carts – NOT by carbon monoxide. Both of these gases are odorless and colorless and are silent killers. Think of a Carbon Monoxide alarm as an oxygen displacement alarm. As the amount of oxygen in a room decreases and the level of carbon monoxide (or hydrogen) increases, the CO alarm will sound these two gases (CO and Hydrogen) have similar properties.

The hydrogen gas produced from improperly, or over-charging a golf cart, can unknowingly spread into your home causing a life-threatening situation. Fortunately, these dangers are preventable! Be safe, follow the guidelines below.

How is charging my golf cart dangerous?

Hydrogen gas causes asphyxiation, or displacement of oxygen, which can lead to unconsciousness or death.
Hydrogen gas is highly flammable. An explosion can be triggered from something as simple as a light switch or using your garage door opener.
Charging the golf cart in the garage with windows and garage door closed is DANGEROUS!

What causes hydrogen gas to be released from my golf cart?

Overcharging golf cart batteries
Inadequate battery maintenance

What can I do to reduce the chances of hydrogen gas release?

Check battery water levels frequently (lead-acid batteries).
Learn more about your specific battery types (i.e., lead acid, lithium ion, AGM/absorbed glass mat) and maintenance requirements. Refer to your golf cart manual and battery maintenance instructions.
Charge your golf cart OUTSIDE your home at least 5 FEET AWAY
If outside charging is not possible,

Only charge in the garage with the garage door and/or windows open.
Only charge when you are home and awake to monitor charging status.
Unplug as soon as batteries are fully charged.
Remember, smart chargers can fail to stop charging.
DO NOT charge overnight. Overheating occurs with hydrogen build-up.
Install effective ventilation system in your garage.
Set timers to remind you to check charging status and unplug.
What's safest? Batteries are not built equally. Refer to the battery manufacturer for charging procedures and respect the danger warnings.

What else can I do to reduce the dangers of charging my golf cart?

Only plug the golf cart directly into a GFCI outlet (ground fault circuit interrupter).
Ensure the home has working and current carbon monoxide alarms (not expired).

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, exit the home and call 911. Exit through a side door or open the garage door manually with handle. Do not touch ignition sources such as light switches or the garage door button opener – it can trigger an explosion.