Mor-Co 24 Batteries

[kip_1948]

I know most of us have batteries far superior to the ones in question
here ....but just in case you run across some MOR-CO 24s in your
wanderings.

Kip

In 2004 a battery explosion occurred at the VOR site at Socorro, New
Mexico. After an investigation and lab tests, it was determined that
the battery explosion occurred because the battery was poorly made
[from recycled batteries] in Mexico. The battery, Model MOR-CO 24 is
a lead acid battery sold by Interstate Batteries. The battery was
installed in June 2003 and had been in service 15 months prior to the
explosion.

AOS is recommending that if this model of battery (Interstate Battery
Model MOR-CO 24, Type 8-D) is found in service, it should be removed
and replace with an equivalent rated battery.

Results:
Severe corrosion of positive plates and strap.
Several positive plates broke off from strap (probable cause of
explosion)
Intermittent connect to the strap resulted in arching (arching
ignited hydrogen in battery causing the explosion).
Poor Quality in Manufacturing

Note: The facility also reported repeated failures from this same
type of battery in other installations.