Is this normal?

[mrwiggles2]

When I installed a new battery on my boat (rear) powers lights and motor, I hooked up the positive, then the negative. When the negative touched, I got a spark. Not a huge spark, but a spark. I touched it again, no spark. I thought maybe a draw from the CDI unit or tilt/trim switch.

I then went to hook up the other battery up front that powers accessories, fishfinder, stereo, etc, same thing happened.

My question is, is there a draw that is causing the spark, or something else? It only does this the first time, not every time you connect the battery.

 

[GrindKore]

Re: Is this normal?

The small spark jumping to battery terminal means you have a power draw somewhere on the circuit. Could be completely normal power draw by gages, bilge pump, lights, radio, etc.

 

[slia67]

Re: Is this normal?

Yes, if you see a spark when you connect the battery you have a draw. But like GrindKore said it may be a very normal draw.

To test for a draw...

-hook up your positive cable
-hook up a test light between your negative cable and neg battery post
-if light is on, you have a draw


To determine where the draw is coming from...

-start pulling fuses one at a time (then replacing) until the light goes out
-once the light goes out, the draw is on that circuit

 

[moparman]

Re: Is this normal?

if you have a radio or any type of electrical device that retains memory in it ,what you are seeing is the battery [ 1]charging up the capacitors in any type of module or[2] powering up memory in the devices. There are other examples also but these are two popular ones. mopar man

 

[John_S]

Re: Is this normal?

If it is something with constant draw, it should spark each time you touch the lead. My guess is you have a capacitor that is charging. I have seen this typical with onboard charger connections.