I read the rules and however I need clarification on this subject.

Are battery relocations permitted? If so, that would place somebody in HU?

If they are permitted, what is necessary to do so (ie specs, design, etc etc)?

(posted in HC forums but I think this will get a faster response)

 

It's allowed in H1 so it's allowed in HU.

9.4 Chassis and Body Preparation- H1 Only
a) Batteries are unrestricted in size, type and weight and may be relocated. Batteries located inside
passenger compartment must be mounted in accordance with the CCR.

I know it says "H1 Only" but I doubt anything in HU is more limited than H1.

 

You'd need the battery in a battery box, fully covered up and strongly secured. Why bother though? A lightweight battery in the original location will ultimately save you more weight (the power cables leading to the trunk do weigh a bit), and the weight distribution factor is nil.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sscguy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You'd need the battery in a battery box, fully covered up and strongly secured. Why bother though? A lightweight battery in the original location will ultimately save you more weight (the power cables leading to the trunk do weigh a bit), and the weight distribution factor is nil.</TD></TR></TABLE>

So if the box has any seams, it must be sealed?

 

No, I don't believe that has to be the case. Summit Racing, JEGs, etc., the plastic box they sell is legal, and that's a plastic box with a separate plastic lid, the whole unit held together with a big strap.

 

I posted this in Honda Challenge forums for RyanF.....

Here is what I read from the CCR

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

11.4.9 <u>Battery</u>

The battery shall be securely fastened to the car. No Bungee cords or rubber cords may be used to function as the sole hold down mechanism. An eletrically non-conductive material must 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.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Securely fastened - *check*
No bungee cords/rubber cords - *check*

Since I have the attention of a National Chairman, I need to know if this will pass.

 

Is that box closed on the side against the inner fender or whatever? I'm not sure, but I thought the intention of that rule was twofold: to prevent the battery from flying around the cabin in the event of a crash, and to do something to contain the battery acid if the battery ruptured. I know for sure the first part is right, not so sure about the second part.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sscguy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No, I don't believe that has to be the case. Summit Racing, JEGs, etc., the plastic box they sell is legal, and that's a plastic box with a separate plastic lid, the whole unit held together with a big strap. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Those things are crap. They're not secure enough, IMO, for a bad impact - the battery will turn into a projectile inside the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Those things are crap. They're not secure enough, IMO, for a bad impact - the battery will turn into a projectile inside the car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is exactly why I have what I have currently. Those little marine boxes are cheap and flimsy, even if mounted properly. I never trusted them when I first opened the box.

Inside the box, there is a cradle and a tie down. It literally doesnt move. There will soon be a non-conductive film inside the box. Of course there is a non-conductive piece around the terminals.

Edit: It is not closed, if you look closely, the box was cut to conform to the lines of the inner fender. I felt as if it was not needed. If it does not pass, that is fine, I can have it modified. These are just a few of the many questions I have to get my car prepared for HC next year.

 

Well, I wasn't suggesting he use it, just that that design is legal. Ryan, do you know about the closed-off box thing?

 

Sometimes you need to ask yourself 'what is the purpose of this rule?' and 'what are the safety issues involved?' Looking at the rule and what you are trying to achieve it seems there are three important points. 1. the battery must be secure 2. the battery must be prevented from leaking acid 3. the terminals must be prevented from shorting out.

The marine type box fills only #2 and partially #3 above. The battery must be attached to the body/chassis independently from the plastic box. So it doesn't really matter if the box is not strong enough to contain the 15 lb battery in a 30 G deceleration, as the battery is not held in by the plastic box.

#3 gets tricky when you consider a crash can distort the bodywork and move the battery to a new location when it can short out. We can't see the internal insulation of the aluminum box in the picture, but make sure it will not short if the back of the car is hit and the sheet metal moves substantially.

IMO the SCCA rule is better because it recognises that #2 is moot for a dry cell battery, which are common nowadays. An extract of the rule is:

'... if located in the driver/passenger compartment, wet cell batteries shall be in a nonconductive marine type container... batteries shall be attached securely to the frame or chassis structure independently of the marine type container'

I've seen a few of SCCA racecars with a dry cell battery bolted to the floor via a bracket or frame. The rule seems to be a little more up to date than the NASA battery rule, and perhaps it would be good to submit a rule change to NASA to waive the plastic leakage box for dry cells.

 

Marine boxes will work fine if your not stupid with them. You just can't lay the battery in there and close the lid.. My little battery is located outside the car, mounted to a welded braket, under the right front fender behind the tire..