What is the primary reason for covers over storage batteries?

Covers over storage batteries serve primarily to protect against accidental shorting across terminals. When terminals are exposed, they can easily come into contact with conductive materials, such as tools or other metal objects, which can lead to short circuits. This can cause significant damage to the battery, lead to overheating, or even result in fires or explosions. By using covers, the risk of such accidents is minimized, ensuring safer operation and handling of the battery.

Although preventing corrosion, reducing weight, and improving efficiency may have their merits, they are not the primary functions of covers specifically designed for storage batteries. Corrosion can happen regardless of covers, and weight reduction and efficiency improvements are generally addressed through other design strategies or materials rather than merely using covers. The main focus of these covers is indeed to protect and ensure safe usage.