Electrical Question Which Battery Cable is Positive?

[Tony S]

Please help keep me out of trouble. Both of my battery cables are black. I hooked up the black cable to the new battery that was attached to a marine style 45 amp breaker to the positive side of the battery.

The other one just went to one of those blocks with a screw in it. So to me who knows nothing about this stuff seemed logical.

The lights went on just fine. Does this mean I have them hooked up correctly or is a not so fast situation, other dangers lurk about.

Thanks for your help in advance

Tony

[J. Morgan]

The cable with the circuit breaker is most always the positive cable.

Sitting here in NM, I say that you 99.999% have it right.


Superat stultitia.

[AWCHIEF]

Tony, yes you have the connection correct.

[Tony S]

Thanks guys that is good news.

Just to put a slightly sharper point on it. If I had it backwards what would of happened?

Lights not go on?

Fry converter?

Other?

Thanks again

Tony

[lewster]

You'll probably let the 'magic smoke' out of some of your electrical components.

Since it imperative to retain all of this 'magic smoke' within those components at all times, as it's presence is totally responsible for the proper operation of said components, it's a situation that should be avoided at all costs!!! 😁

PS: try wrapping some red electrical tape around the end of the positive cable too.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357

[Tony S]

Yes "the magic smoke'.

Red tape applied. Me no make same mistake twice.

Thanks

Tony