What happens if a battery is overcharged?

What happens if a battery is overcharged?

Overcharging means you keep charging even after the battery is already full.

Effects:

  1. Overheating

The battery temperature rises and damages internal parts.

  1. Water loss (for lead-acid batteries) Electrolyte starts to break into hydrogen and oxygen gas.

You may need to refill distilled water frequently.

  1. Gas buildup & explosion risk Hydrogen gas is highly explosive.

  2. Plate damage (lead-acid) Plates corrode makes battery capacity drops permanently.

  3. Shortened lifespan

Battery may fail much earlier than expected.