Short Circuiting Batteries

[Kudzucraft]

I worked for Chrysler (USA) many years ago on an experimental electric car project year ago when they were still in the infant stage. We worked upstairs and below us in the lab was where they did testing on the electronics.  One of the first things my boss did was take me to the lab and talk about the potential energy in the battery banks.

 

He told of the time one of the techs was working over the battery bank, dropped a wrench and landed perfectly on two of the terminals. He said it welded itself to posts, then glowed bright red and proceed to melt and go up in smoke before anyone could even think about doing anything. Made a very vivid impression on me!