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Safety Hazards of a 12-Volt Storage Battery

Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery?

Touching both terminals with the hands can cause electrical shock

Incorrect. Touching both terminals with the hands is unlikely to cause an electrical shock because a 12-volt potential is generally too low to be felt significantly by human skin.

Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion

Correct. Shorting the terminals is a significant hazard because it can lead to burns, fires, or even explosions due to the high current flow and subsequent heat generation.

RF emissions from a nearby transmitter can cause the electrolyte to emit poison gas

Incorrect. RF emissions from a nearby transmitter do not cause the electrolyte in a storage battery to emit poison gas, making this incorrect.

All these choices are correct

Incorrect. Not all these choices are correct; only shorting the terminals poses a severe safety hazard among the given options.

Explanation

When dealing with 12-volt storage batteries, it’s essential to understand the safety hazards they pose. These batteries are commonly used in amateur radio setups to provide a stable power source. One primary concern is the risk associated with short-circuiting the terminals. If the positive and negative terminals of a 12-volt battery are shorted together, it can lead to the rapid flow of a high current. This rapid current flow can generate significant heat, which may cause burns or start a fire. Additionally, the excessive current can lead to a potential explosion of the battery due to the buildup of internal pressure. It’s crucial for amateur radio operators to handle these batteries with care, ensuring that the terminals are not shorted to avoid serious injuries or damage to equipment. Understanding these risks and practicing proper safety measures will help ensure a safe operating environment.

T0A01 2022-2026

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