Batery Danger

[stag74red]

Hi, I've noticed from some picture on the forum that maybe we are not allaware of the potential danger from the battery installation.

I hope this may be of use to some members.

The Postive terminal on the battery is very close to the mounting clamp bracket, which is earthed to the body - i.e. negative terminal of the battery (see below for danger).

It is very important than care is taken to ensure that the positive connection and cable are protected from the battery clamp bar. Fit the positive terminal clamp to ensure maximum clearance from the bar (horizontal)and fit and old piece of rubber hose around the cable where it passes over the bar.

Always disconnect the negative terminal first, when working with battery connections. If you undo the positive terminal first, there is a real danger of the spanner shorting between the pos terminal and the bodywork.

If this happens the spanner/cable/connector will weld to the bodywork/battery bracketand short circuit the battery- this is a fire/explosion danger.

A shorted battery will produce several hundred amps (600A), and thereby emmited several thousand watts of heat (5KW) and hydroden gas.

Hope this maybe of use.

Please correct any info given.

Mark.

[DJT]

imported post

stag74red wrote:

The Postive terminal on the battery is very close to the mounting clamp bracket, which is earthed to the body - i.e. negative terminal of the battery (see below for danger).

It can also pass very close to the power steering pump pulley if not routed carefully. I have seen some with the insulation partially cut through. IMHO this is more likely than damage from the clamp bar, but maybe you have seen examples. Either way, you are right, this is not good :shock:and reminds me that I must get a +ve terminal cover for mine (picture posted on cut-off switch thread).

Dave

[V Mad]

imported post

Another hazard to watch out for when the POS terminal is bare: then dropping a spanner or other metal object onto the terminal can short it out onto the radiator and blow a hole in it (seen that a few times).