(a) Battery-powered equipment shall use battery assemblies approved under Part 7 of this chapter, or battery assemblies accepted or certified under this part prior to August 22, 1989.

(b) Battery box covers shall be secured in a closed position.

(c) Each wire or cable leaving a battery box on storage battery-operated equipment shall have short-circuit protection in an explosion-proof enclosure located as close as practicable to the battery terminals. A short-circuit protection device installed within a nearby explosion-proof enclosure will be acceptable. In no case shall the exposed portion of the cable from the battery box to the enclosure exceed 36 inches in length. Each wire or cable shall be protected from damage.