Whether you are a veteran or installing your first battery-based system, it’s important to avoid taking shortcuts when installing batteries. There is a real danger in creating a short circuit by unintentionally connecting the positive terminal to the negative terminal on a battery, causing the battery to deliver high current over a short period of time.
Short circuits are a potential health hazard and may also damage the battery’s internal construction impacting performance in the future. Excess current can cause a battery to overheat and potentially explode, releasing hydrogen gas and electrolytes.
Even if the short does not cause the battery to overheat, some stress on the internal construction may have occurred thus shortening overall performance, so it’s best to take all measures to avoid creating a short.
Follow these rules when installing batteries to reduce the risk of a short:
Plan ahead
Take time to carefully plan your installation in advance. Plan every move to avoid creating an opportunity for a short before you start working. A well thought out plan will help to avoid making sudden movements or dropping a tool, which is how most shorts occur.
Organize your tools
Carefully organize your tools close by your work area but away from the batteries, and avoid the temptation to rest any tools on the tops of the batteries where they might come in contact with battery terminals.
Use insulated tools
Wherever possible, use non-metallic or insulated tools that protect from creating a short circuit. If such tools are difficult to find, wrapping the handle end of a tool with electrical tape may be the safest solution.
Remove metal objects and jewelry
Before working with batteries, take a moment to remove any metal objects and jewelry that might create an opportunity for a short circuit and put them in a safe place away from your work area.
Avoid distractions
When working with batteries, don’t let something distract you that might result in creating a short circuit. Stay focused and avoid taking your eyes off your work.
Protect yourself
Remember, when working with batteries, always wear proper eye protection, gloves and protective clothing to minimize your exposure to hazardous materials.
This tip was contributed by Kalyan Jana, technical product marketing manager of Trojan Battery Company.