Battery Installation Went Wrong -- Tell me I am OK!

[Bradster]

Today I was replacing the two batteries on my Catalina 25. No shore power connected. Battery switched to off.

This is where I did something really stupid. I accidentally attached the negative wire to the positive post on the first disconnected battery. I did not disconnect the second old battery yet.

Then I tried to attach the other wires (first a green wire) to the negative post. Sparks flew. I did not understand what I had done (very hot, very tired) so I tried again. Sparks.

I suddenly realized what I had done and proceeded to wire both batteries correctly.

On doing some other maintenance, I noticed the green wire was likely the ground to my West Marine Charger.

So my question is, did I do any damage? I have not tried to connect the charger until I find out if there is the potential for a problem. The fuse panel was off and, again, there was no shore power connected.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Stu Jackson]

Only YOU are in a position to try it by wiring it properly. Usually sparks are a good indication you did something wrong, and if you got the wire off fast enough, both times, things could well be just fine.


Good luck.


PS - Don't do this carp when you're tired, hot and sweaty. Just makes things worse, right?


PPS Former C25 owner, 1981 hull #4891.