Electrical - SAFETY! - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

cbvet · 02-16-2006, 11:54

While doing some electrical work on my M35A2, I remember an incident that happened in VietNam.
One of our mechanics was working under the dash on a Deuce. I think he was replacing the 3-lever light switch.
He didn't think it necessary to disconnect the batteries on such a simple job.
He got his wedding band caught across some contacts. The 24 volts through the band quickly burned his finger to the bone! They had to amputate.
WHEN DOING ELECTRICAL WORK, DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES!

Surely other members have experiences that could help keep us all safer.
Eric Wendt

Jones · 02-16-2006, 19:23

He's right. I've seen an 8D tractor battery turn a box-end wrench into a light-bulb filament.

DaveP · 02-16-2006, 20:14

i to am guilty. theres a 5/8" combonation wrench in the bottom of one of my boxes that became the path to ground on a quick loose wire job. of course once it started arching i couldnt leave it there so i received a darn nice set of blisters over that moment of poor judgment. hee hee

red devils dude · 02-16-2006, 21:10

when hooking up the starter disconnect the batt or the wrench and the frame will make a circuit.

1958 M274 · 02-16-2006, 22:09

Be sure to remove the ground first when disconnecting the battery, too!

emmado22 · 02-16-2006, 23:13

Basically, whenever doing ANY electrical related work, dissconnect the batts... Cause the ONE time you dont, something bad will happen........

DaveP · 02-16-2006, 23:15

two very good points. no matter how small or quick of a repair if its electrical or could become electrical take the time to heed the two previous points. it is well worth the time.

Towerguy1 · 02-18-2006, 10:38

The batterys in a deuce are as powerfull as a good arc welder. Dont under estimate them. I made an emergency patch job with a pair of jumper cables, an "air-arc" carbon rod and some filler metal once. Kids.... DON'T try this at home unless you fully understand how it works!!!!!
Its not recomended. hard on the batterys and not for the faint harted. Your arc welder runs about 48 volts..... 24 isnt far away! Its the Amps that will get you.

Towerguy1 · 02-18-2006, 10:42

an electrical world saying...... Its volts that jolts and Mills that Kills.

Voltage makes your arm jump but it only takes milliamps to kill you.

clinto · 02-18-2006, 11:57

Don't wear rings and/or jewelry when doing ANY work, electrical included.