[Mgs] Exploding Batteries

[Wilkmanracing at aol.com]

It doesn't take much of a spark to cause a battery to explode.  Years  ago I 
was a student in a class on auto electronics.  The instructor was  
demonstrating an electrical concept using a battery for power.  A small  spark, created 
when he disconnected a component caused the battery to explode,  showering the 
class with acid and battery shards.  Fortunately, nobody was  hurt.  However, 
my down jacket later developed an interesting pattern of  holes.  I also 
remember when, as a lad at the local foreign car garage, I  used to use a device 
that measured current in battery cells by bridging a tool,  made for the 
purpose, across the exposed lead connectors on the top of the  batteries of the day.  
I generated lots sparks as I wiggled the tool for  the best possible 
connection.  Why I still have a face is beyond  me....
 
Bill Wilkman
USA



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