Do you hook positive or negative up first?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

When it comes to hooking up a battery, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure safety and avoid any potential damage. In this case, the general rule is to always disconnect the negative cable first and then the positive cable. This applies to removing the cables from the old battery and connecting them to the new one.

Why is it important to disconnect the negative cable first? Well, the negative cable is connected to the ground or the chassis of the vehicle. By disconnecting it first, you’re reducing the risk of accidentally creating a short circuit or causing sparks. This is because the positive cable is still connected to the battery, and if you were to accidentally touch a metal surface with your wrench while disconnecting the positive cable, it could lead to a short circuit or sparks flying.

Once you’ve safely disconnected the negative cable, you can then proceed to disconnect the positive cable. By doing this in the correct order, you minimize the chances of any electrical mishaps occurring.

Now, let’s move on to connecting the new battery. You’ll want to start by connecting the positive cable first. This is because you want to establish a positive connection before introducing any negative current. By connecting the positive cable first, you’re ensuring a stable and secure connection.

Once the positive cable is securely connected to the new battery, you can then proceed to connect the negative cable. Again, by following this order, you’re reducing the risk of any sparks or short circuits that could occur if you were to accidentally touch a metal surface with your wrench while connecting the negative cable.

It’s worth noting that you should always be cautious and take necessary precautions when working with batteries. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and double-check that all connections are secure before starting the vehicle.

When disconnecting the cables from the old battery, it’s important to disconnect the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable. When connecting the new battery, you should connect the positive cable first, and then the negative cable. By following this order, you’re ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of any electrical mishaps.