Electrical System - Important; Arc Welding - Volvo Penta TAMD71B Instruction Manual

11.5 Electrical system – Important!
Turn the engine off and switch off power at the main switches before carrying out work
on the electrical system.
1. Main switch
Never break the circuit between the generator and batteries while the engine is running. In other
words, the main switches must never be disconnected before the engine has stopped. If the circuit
is broken while the engine is running, the voltage regulator may be destroyed and the generator
seriously damaged.
Charging circuits must not be switched over while the engine is running, for the same reason. To
simultaneously charge two independent battery circuits, fit a Volvo Penta charge distributor to the
regular generator (accessory).
2. Batteries
Never mix up the positive and negative battery terminals when installing. Incorrect installation can
result in serious damage to electrical equipment. Refer to wiring diagrams. The battery terminal
posts should always be well cleaned and the cable terminals well tightened and greased to pre-
vent open circuits.
Avoid boost charging the batteries. If the battery must be booster charged, first remove both bat-
tery leads.
NOTE! Follow relevant safety regulations when charging batteries. When charging, unscrew filler
plugs but leave them in their holes. Ventilation should be good, particularly if the batteries are be-
ing charged in an enclosed area. Always switch off the charging circuit before removing the bat-
tery charger connectors.
Warning! Never allow an open flame or electric sparks near the battery compartment. Never
smoke in proximity to the batteries. The batteries give off hydrogen gas during charging
which when mixed with air can form an explosive gas – oxyhydrogen. This gas is easily ignit-
ed and highly volatile.
Always use protective goggles when charging and handling batteries.
The battery electrolyte contains extremely corrosive sulfuric acid. If this should come in con-
tact with the skin, immediately wash with soap and plenty of water. If battery acid comes in
contact with the eyes, immediately flush with plenty of water and obtain medical assistance
without delay.
3. See instructions in chap. 5.6 for how to start using auxiliary batteries.
4. Connecting accessories and extra equipment
All extra equipment should be connected to a separate junction box and fused. Avoid installing ad-
ditional power points directly from the instrument panels.

11.6 Arc welding

Remove the positive and negative leads from the batteries. Then remove all leads to the generator.
Always connect the weld clamp to the component to be welded and as close to the welding point as
possible. The clamp should never be connected to the engine or in such a manner that the current is
able to pass over any bearings.
When welding is complete: Always connect the leads to the generator before replacing the
battery leads.
AB Volvo Penta / Diesel Engine TAMD71B
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