Date:         Tue, 16 May 2017 21:39:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Which battery terminal off first?
In-Reply-To:  <CY1PR20MB00299876056BAF10B95958DBA0E60@CY1PR20MB0029.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Denis Stuart, and all,

        I think it will finally stick this time.  Ground off first then the positive.  Return in opposite order positive then ground. 

Stuart pointed out the difference when jumping the battery, then put on the positive first.  This is likely where I twist things in my head as I don’t do much electrical work.  Or, at least I try to avoid it..

I’m planning to disconnect the battery before I clip pump wires to install the connectors for the new washer pump.


Eric Caron 
85 Gl Auto 





> On May 16, 2017, at 6:38 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> As other noted yes you remove the ground first. You should also wear some protective equipment when working around batteries. 
> Since you also have a house battery you need to be real sure of your isolation equipment or better yet disconnect that one also. Batteries can produce a lot of current and during a short circuit event they can explode. 
> 
> As a thought good technicians shouldn’t rely on memorizing specific tasks or steps to get a job done. If you understand the process, whether mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, whatever, then just think about what needs to be done will guide you in the right direction. If you think about ow a battery is connected, the multiple power supplies, and the goal of isolation-safety, the rest will fall into place. For most all circuits disconnect devices (switches, relays) open the circuit on the "ungrounded" side. If you were to install a battery disconnect switch it would be on the ungrounded positive side also. However since we need to disconnect a power source without a disconnect we need to look at the risks. Not using insulated tools the risk is accidental contact with the body completing the circuit with that wrench. So we disconnect the ground side first so a circuit cannot be completed when disconnecting the ungrounded side. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 2:09 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Which battery terminal off first?
> 
> OK listers,
> 
> Even the most basic question can be asked here, right?
> 
> I was taught which battery terminal to take off first either when removing a battery or taking off to do electrical work.
> 
> But, I have forgotten. 
> 
> I’m thinking that it is hot first and then the negative ground second.  Then put back in reverse order Ground first then positive.
> 
> I know doing this the right way helped me avoid sparks when working on my house battery in tight spaces.
> 
> Can someone confirm I’m remembering this basic thing correctly?
> 
> Remember, I’m going to accidentally touch something metal with that wrench no matter how careful I am.
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto 
> with some electrical work needed to put in the new