
20 SEBU8213-04
Safety Section
Fire Prevention and Explosion Prevention
Battery and Battery Cables
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Illustration 22
Caterpillar recommends the following in order to
minimize the risk of fire or an explosion related to
the battery.
Do not operate a machine if battery cables or related
parts show signs of wear or damage. Contact your
Caterpillar dealer for service.
Follow safe procedures for engine starting with jump
start cables. Improper jumper cable connections can
cause an explosion that may result in injury. Refer to
Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Engine Starting
with Jump Start Cables” for specific instructions.
Do not charge a frozen battery. This may cause an
explosion.
Gases from a battery can explode. Keep any open
flames or sparks away from the top of a battery. Do
not smoke in battery charging areas.
Never check the battery charge by placing a metal
object across the terminal posts. Use a voltm eter in
order to check the battery charge.
Daily inspect battery cables that are in areas that
are visible. Inspect cables, clips, straps, and other
restraints for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Check for signs of the following, which can occur
over time due to use and environmental factors:
•
Fraying
•
Abrasion
•
Cracking
•
Discoloration
•
Cuts on the insulation of the cable
•
Fouling
•
Corroded ter
minals, damaged terminals, and loose
terminals
Replace dam
aged battery cable(s) and replace
any related parts. Eliminate any fouling, which may
have caused insulation failure or related component
damage or we
ar. Ensure that all components are
reinstalled correctly.
An exposed
wire on the battery cable may cause
a short to ground if the exposed area comes into
contact with a grounded surface. A battery cable
short prod
uces heat from the battery current, which
may be a fire hazard.
An expose
d wire on the ground cable between the
battery and the disconnect switch may cause the
disconnect switch to be bypassed if the exposed area
comes int
o contact with a grounded surface. This
may result in an unsafe condition for servicing the
machine. Repair components or replace components
before s
ervicing the machine.
Fire on a machine can result in personal injury
or death. Exposed battery cables that come into
contac
t with a grounded connection can result in
fires. Replace cables and related parts that show
signs of wear or damage. Contact y our Caterpillar
deale
r.
Wiri
ng
Check electrical wires daily. If any of the following
cond
itions exist, replace parts before you operate
the machine.
•
Fray
ing
•
Signs of abrasion or wear
•
Cracking
•
Di
scoloration
•
Cuts on insulation
•
Other damage
Ma
ke sure that all clamps, guards, clips, and straps
are reinstalled correctly. This will help to prevent
vibration, rubbing against other parts, and excessive
h
eat during machine operation.