The polarity of the battery is forward or reverse how to determine

Modern cars are equipped with rechargeable acid batteries (accumulators), which are needed to start the engine. The battery gives off the energy necessary to produce a spark - the spark gives ignition - the motor starts to work, simultaneously restoring battery charge.

Car battery - a direct current source, with the engine off, is also used to power on-board electrical appliances: cigarette lighter, audio system, dashboard illumination. Polarity is inherent in DC sources - the presence of positive and negative pole terminals. The polarity, that is, the relative position of the terminals, determines in which direction the electric current will flow if the pole terminals are connected with a circuit.

There are electrical appliances that are sensitive to the direction in which the current flows. Sparks, fire, failure of electrical equipment - a possible retribution for a mistake.

In addition, the direction of current flow causes a number of physical effects associated with the complex electromagnetic nature of electricity. In the scale of daily use and maintenance of the battery in question, these effects do not play a noticeable role.

How to determine forward or reverse polarity

So, the direction of current flow matters. Note that there is a difference between standard batteries installed on domestically produced cars and foreign cars:

• on foreign cars - battery of reverse polarity;
• on domestic cars - battery of direct polarity.

In addition, there are completely exotic designs, for example, the so-called "American", but they did not take root either in America or in Europe.

How to distinguish a battery of reverse polarity from a battery with a direct polarity?

Externally, rechargeable batteries of different polarities are almost identical. If you are interested in the polarity of the battery, just turn it to face you (the terminals are closer to you). The front side is usually marked with a sticker with the manufacturer's logo.

• If "plus" is on the left and "minus" is on the right, the polarity is straight.
• If "plus" is on the right and "minus" is on the left, the polarity is reversed.

Also, when buying, you can refer to the catalog or to a consultant - the technical documentation should contain comprehensive information about the product. In addition, consideration should be given to the possible location of the battery near the engine. In the end, the wires can be extended.

Consequences of incorrect battery connection

The cost of making a mistake can be high. What exactly is the risk of incorrect battery connection?

• Closure. Sparks, smoke, loud clicks, blown fuses are obvious signals that you have done something wrong.
• Fire. A typical car battery has a lot of energy stored in it, and when closed, all of it will be released. The wires will melt immediately, the braid will flare up - and after all, the engine is nearby, next to the fuel! Plastic in a car is especially dangerous.
• Overdriving. The battery simply deteriorates.
• End to on-board computer (electronic control unit). A modern car is packed with electronics. It can simply burn out - and then the car will not start. The board will have to be repaired - it's not cheap.
• The end of the generator. If the alternator is damaged, the battery will not be charged by the engine.
• Signaling... Triggers may burn out.
• Wires. Fused wires must be replaced or insulated.

Fortunately, many modern cars have safety diodes - sometimes they help. Sometimes not.

I bought a battery with the wrong polarity - what to do?

The easiest way is to return it. Or resell, honestly saying that they made a mistake with the purchase, that the battery is in order, new. It will not work just to turn it 180 ° in the nest: the nest is most often asymmetrical.

As a rule, the length of the wires going to the terminals is calculated so that it is exactly enough, for example, to connect to a battery of direct polarity. But this length is not enough to connect to the battery with reverse polarity.

The way out is to lengthen. After all, wires are just a metallic conductor in insulation. If you are skilled enough with a soldering iron, you can try to grow the wires yourself. Pay attention to the cable size.

What to look for when choosing a battery?

Let's list the signs that will help you make the right choice - and in the future, do not engage in either building up power wires or reselling the battery:

• The size. If the dimensions of the purchased battery are not suitable for the nest of the car, further reasoning automatically becomes meaningless.
• Power. Measured in ampere-hours. The stronger the motor vehicle engine, the more powerful the battery is required. A battery that is too weak will not last long and you will experience poor performance throughout its life. Too strong, on the other hand, will not fully charge from the on-board power generator - and will eventually fail too.
• Serviceability. Of course, the best battery models are sealed, maintenance-free.
• Polarity. Must fit the car.
• Cold Cranking Current - The higher, the better the battery will perform in winter.

Choose a quality battery and your car will last a long time.