mi, why did it spark when you were working on it? Missed rule #1: turn off the power and *verify* that its off.
I have wired up wall switches live. But I'll use the rubber gloves (the ones for elec work)
You should have just tripped a breaker in the normal panel, not inside the utilities company. If thats not it, its possible yo *might* have blown off a loose connection _somewhere_ along the run. (if you are just tapping off to add this outlet)
I don't mean to sound like a prick, but I think you are in over your head. Just looking out for ya. Got a buddy that knows this stuff? (but then that kinda breaks rule 1 of growing, don't tell anyone)
haikubutthead
Maybe you can. Recharging lead acid batteries is typically at 10% of the rated output current and a few volts over the batteries output voltage.
What I would do for a el Cheapo, is get new batteries, a extra one or two. Charge them up normally, swap out for the extra. Once they are all charged up, the charging circuit won't be overly taxed maintaining all them, so you can tie them together for a longer run time. But the prob is if the power comes back up when you aren't there. A little relay logic can put a safeguard for that.