Battery Safety

[puter]

From time to time posters ask the correct way to change batteries, to which several answers in detail have been given.

I must be asleep, old or both because one aspect used by me has not been mentioned either by me or having a quick flip through postings no one else that I could find.

There are available, fully insulated single ended spanners, which add a great deal of safety, especially when working on a battery in an awkward location.

These are advertised by TW Eng, ITL and Boddington Elect to name three. They are not cheap but reading the disasters some have witnessed or heard about, well worth the few quid.

 

[wireman]

The spanners you mention are originaly used by mad electricians who may be asked to work on really big high voltage power stuff whilst it might get live.

They would of course be good for disconnecting the car battery. It should be noted that the inner faces of the jaws is uncovered and as such will still provide a reet good way for lots of amps to escape from the battery in a big flash if you do not do it right.

I only ask why not do it right, you will not need silly plastic covered spanners, i.e. earthy side off first and earthy side on last?
Not difficult is it?
If it is difficult don't attempt it and spend the cost of some dubious insulated tools on a good mechanic or auto lecky.

 

[puter]

Yes there are low cost spanners available with open faces. If you have a look at http://www.boddingtons-electrical.com/cat2_fit/ring_spanner.html you will see a high quality spanner I use. With certain battery types it is possible for an uninsulated spanner to slip and make contact with the positive terminal.