[Rhodes22-list] Batteries - Woe is me

[CORLEYMICHAELSIX at aol.com]

After contemplating all the wonderful advice from the list including the  
trail on 6 volt golf cart batteries I purchased 2 wet cell 12 volt Grp 24  Deep 
Cycle Marine Batteries that are connected in series.  Now for the Woe  is me 
part . . . . While installing them I hooked them up wrong and fried the  wiring 
harness and hopefully nothing else.  There was a lot of smoke from  the 
melting wire and the batteries quickly got hot to the touch.  My son  saved the day 
by quickly yanking the batteries out.  Afterwards I  checked the batteries 
with a multi meter and they are still showing 12.7 volts,  which is about where 
they were before the incident.  Apparently a large  white wire that appears to 
have 2, maybe different 3 wires in it is what  melted.  I believe it connected 
the two batteries.  While only one  wire melted the others broke when we 
yanked the batteries out.  Obviously I  have limited electrical knowledge.  What 
damage do you think I may have  done and how do I fix it?
 
Lesson learned:  Keep fire extinguisher handy when working on  boat
 
Mike
S/V Ranger (99)



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