How to connect a battery...

Am I correct in thinking that for a negative earth landy, the correct method of connecting the battery is POSITIVE first, and then the NEGATIVE? (And for 24v the cross cable first, then POS then NEG?) or is it the other way round...?

Reply to
anon4186
Loading thread data ...

You connect the jumper cable(s) first if you have more than one battery in series (ie 24v FFR or early Diesel with 2x 6v) you then connect the terminal which is NOT connected to the body first, (ie supply) then the terminal which is connected to the bodywork. (ie earth) Always the supply first, then the earth.

For most vehicles this means Positive first, then Negative, but for older vehicles which are +ve earth (S1/SII) it is the other way around.

If you think logically, it can be worked out anyway. If you connect the bodywork first then the supply terminal, you are likely to get a very fat spark if the spanner you are using on the supply touches the bodywork. Thus you connect the supply terminal before the bodywork to avoid this hazard.

Alex

Reply to
Alex

Electrically it doesn't make any difference what order you connect them in as long as you connect them the right way round.

Having said that it is normal to connect the chassis last in case you are a bit clumsy when using a spanner to tighten the connections. By connecting the chassis last, any accidental touch of the spanner to a body or other item connected to the chassis won't then cause a short across the spanner. So, you shouild connect and tighten the positive and any link cables first with the chassis (negative) disconnected, then connect and tighten the chassis side. Obviously this doesn't help if you put the spanner between the battery terminals !

cheers

Dave W.

formatting link

Reply to
Dave White

I always connect the positive first and disconnect the positive last simply to prevent accidently shorting the spanner on the positive terminal to the seat box whilst earthed.

Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)

Reply to
Mr.Nice.

The earth cable (the one to the bodywork) goes last. As far as I know it's only from a safety point of view to prevent short circuits from occuring should your spanner touch the bodywork while tightening the other terminal clamp.

Reply to
PDannyD

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.