MotorGuide X3-40 - Manual (Page 13)

WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng
9
When charging batteries, an explosive gas mixture forms in each cell. Part of this gas
escapes through holes in the vent plugs and may form an explosive atmosphere
around the battery if ventilation is poor. This explosive gas may remain in or around
the battery for several hours after it has been charged. Sparks or flames can ignite
this gas and cause an internal explosion, which may shatter the battery.
The following precautions should be observed to prevent an explosion:
1. Do not smoke near batteries being charged or which have been charged very
recently.
2. Do not break live circuits at terminals of batteries, because a spark usually
occurs at the point where a live circuit is broken. Always be careful when
connecting or disconnecting cable clamps on chargers. Poor connections are a
common cause of electrical arcs which cause explosions.
3. Do not reverse polarity of battery terminal to cable connections.
Wire and Cable Routing
• Route the trolling motor wires on the opposite side of the boat from other boat
wiring.
• The trolling motor should be connected to its own dedicated battery.
• Sensitive electronics, such as depth finders, should be connected to a separate
battery.
• Marine engines should have their own dedicated starting battery.
• All batteries should have a common ground.