Whilst I am not a fan of over-regulation, I feel we have in this column been consistent in explaining good practice in electrical systems and sometimes a bit of regulation cleans up substandard systems which tarnishes the majority of well-thought-through installations. It’s nothing that should be done already.

The types of lead acid batteries generally used by manufacturers are SLA – meaning “Sealed Lead Acid”. Also known as VRLA – Valve Regulated Lead Acid. Both will however have a one-way high-pressure valve somewhere towards the top of the battery to release excessive build of gases which are created internally during the charging process. It is normal for gas to be produced during the charging process however these are normally absorbed back into the internal chemistry of the battery.  When a battery or charger is faulty, it can cause excessive overcharging, resulting in the production of an excess amount of gas that cannot be reabsorbed. This gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur, can be flammable and toxic when present in the right concentration. To prevent the battery from expanding and potentially opening, which could result in unsafe spillage of sulfuric acid, a one-way valve is designed to safely release this gas.

Although it would require specific conditions for Hydrogen and Oxygen to create a flammable or explosive situation upon release, it is more probable to detect the unpleasant odour of “rotten eggs” from gases like Hydrogen Sulphide, which can cause severe health issues like apnea, coma, convulsions, dizziness, headache, weakness, irritability, insomnia, and stomach upset when exposed to for prolonged periods or at high concentrations, and may go unnoticed by the human nose.

The new standards have identified two main reasons for concern, and as a result, they now include explicit measures to address the accumulation of gases resulting from excessive gas release in SLA’s.

As per recent data released by Caravan Industry Australia, imported recreational vehicles (RVs) have shown a significant increase, challenging the market share of locally manufactured RVs. This underscores the importance of maintaining consistent standards across the industry. Although the new standard has already been implemented, it will only be enforceable on new RVs starting from mid-November 2023. While there won’t be any 12V police patrolling caravan parks to enforce strict compliance, there is a clear expectation on Australian manufacturers and importers to adhere to the new Australian Standards. It is also anticipated that the industry as a whole will hold itself accountable for identifying and addressing non-compliance issues.