The purpose of providing a space underneath the plates in a lead-acid battery's cell container is to

• A. prevent sediment buildup from contacting the plates and causing a short circuit
• B. maximize electrolyte capacity
• C. improve conductivity of plates
• D. reduce gas generation

Answer: (A)

Preventing short circuits by giving room for sediment to collect away from the plate surfaces. Over time, small amounts of active material can shed from the plates and settle at the bottom of the cell. If this sediment reaches the plate surfaces or bridges the separators, it can create a conductive path and cause a short circuit. The space under the plates acts as a sediment trap, keeping the plates clear. It also allows some expansion during operation, but the main purpose is to prevent sediment from contacting the plates and causing a short.