Do AGMs need battery boxes?

[Neptune's Gear]

They are valve regulated. Vrsla. They can emit large quantities of toxic gas with an internal short, when the regulator valve opens. They should be in a sealed and vented proper batt box. If your vessel is to be in any sort of survey for commercial work here in NZ, this is a basic requirement.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

There was almost no electrolyte left in this AGM and no tray to catch it..
The wing nut is not kosher either

That's an East Penn GEL battery...

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

AGM’s can’t leak, or leak significantly and therefore don’t need boxes.

Originally Posted by boatpoker

ABYC requires (and makes no exceptions for AGM's).

These two statements are my take-away from this thread.

Common sense probably says you don't "need" boxes, but until the certifications and regulations catch up to reality, you might want them anyway, to avoid arguments when boarded for a safety inspection.

It's sort of like having no "Y" valve in your plumbing system. It might be easier to install one that does nothing, and put a big 'ole lock on it, just for show.