Why the negative cable?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by fordborn
Ahh but no one has responded with the main reason to disconnect the negative first. The main reason lies in the fact that if you remove the positive first there is a greater and probable chance of arcing to the post as you remove it. Though this may be Small there is the chance that it could cause the battery gasses to explode. A battery blowing up in your face is not fun nor pretty so be careful. On newer vehicles it not only has a safety issue as already stated but it could also cause severe damage to the newer electronics on the vehicle.
I knew it had something to do with the electronics/computer and such.
Thanks for bringing up the explosion fact. I have had a brand new battery explode, luckily, I was inside the cab when it happened and I had my hood slightly open so it didn't ruin anything.
I also want to thank everyone else who contributed their thoughts as they are also true and correct. But I really wanted to know... Why the neg. cable?
-Stranger
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Oromocto NB
I'm sure that is one of the reasons, but it has to do with the way electrons flow, they flow out the negative and back in the positive. So the theory is with the negative still connected and the positive disconnected the electrons still may have a means to flow and could cause damage to sensitive equipment depending how your body or testing equipment can draw on those electrons. Sorry I forget what this is called but that’s the reason the negative is disconnect to insure the electrons do not flow. I'll post more when I find it.
I like that answer best, lets stick with it. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dr. Johnny Fever
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Jun 8, 2016 09:27 AM
