Forum Discussion

Explorer

Nov 04, 2014

Accidental Arc Welder

I needed to check lug size on my shunt today to complete some charging cables. I turned off shore power, and turned off batt. disconnect. While wrenching the shunt bolt off and the wrench slipped and shorted the pos side of the inverter 100A fuse (which I had removed the plastic safety cover from)to the ground lug, and created my own arch welder. I bet most of you have a disconnect between the batt. and the inverter? I will very soon!! I thought it had taken out my inverter and Victron monitor. But fortunately the only casuality was my ego, and the 100A fuse! Oh, and a slight divot in the wrench.

15 Replies

hypoxia
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
I won't use a box wrench on a battery, an open end wrench can be knocked off of the nut easier.
DaHose
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
One of the screw lugs on my chassis batteries was blown clean off by a PO. Musta scared the poop out of somebody. Still works fine, but gives me a chuckle every time I open the hood.

Jose
westend
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
Yeah, plasma!!

I used to tape a wrench when I worked on batteries with similar terminals. Now, I just try to be conscious of where the metal is swinging.

You know, this might be just the start of a process. I worked my way up to cross connecting 460V welding stations. :B Unfortunately very little sparking but it is interesting to see that 300 lb machine dance on the floor.
CloudDriver
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
Learned that same lesson years ago with a car battery. Since then I always disconnect the ground cable from the battery before doing anything else.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
Yeah, that stuff happens. Glad no major damage.