Potential damge from misconnecting the battery

[jaguar68]

Hi Guys,

After swopping a flat battery over, I stupidly connected the replacement the wrong way round, ie positive earth instead of negative earth. Don't worry, the car has been previously fitted with an alternator.

Unfortunately, a couple of the wires in the harness started to smoke and the insulation has started to bubble.

After reconnecting the battery the right way round, the car starts and all of the electrics appear to be working, including the radio.

Have I caused any lasting damage?

Regards

John

[Alex'n'Ane]

Probably not, quite possible you have blown a fuse, but if all the electrics still work as they should then not to worry.

[bmcecosse]

The only thing that 'may' be affected would be the alternator if you started the engine - and possibly the wireless. But - if everything is working...... I can't see how smoking wires would be anything to do with the polarity - unless they are the wires running TOO the alternator. Is it still charging the battery after this mis-adventure?

[polo2k]

if any smoke has escaped from the loom you need this:



http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_registry/smoke.htm

[polo2k]

... but seriously

if the wires have smoked, they have got HOT and the insulation may be compromised. if one of the wires that has smoked goes to the alternator then it may be an unfused line which could potentially be dangerous. If an unfused power cable touches earth, you will get a nice "one bar" heater under the bonnet!

Post pics if your not sure