One for the sparkies: does shorting a new batt ruin it?

Just to add: spoke to the guy who'll replace the battery immediately.

Sorry to go off half cocked. On a UBB system I would've deleted the post.

I had a battery short out under the bonnet once - the battery got so hot, it warped the casing and the earth wire caught fire. Battery looked trashed, but still worked, but I got rid of it anyway. i'd guess your battery is still OK, but you'd need to charge it back up and test it.

Hi Sigmund,
I guess the definitive answer is "it depends"

If you dropped a big lump of metal across the terminals and walked away it most likely would damage the battery.

Intermittent shorting like you saw most likely won't. If you did it every day I'd say it would eventually.

Batteries seem to survive being used as a bush welder rather successfully. Though I doubt being used as a substitute welder every day of their life would increase their health.

The really annoying part about batteries is their habit of following the natural laws of physics and chemistry rather than a neat bit of repeatable theory.

Geoff

if you have a hydrometer check the state of the battery(fully charged 12.85) fully charge the battery and test under load. if it tests ok thats all you can do

Thanks again guys.

Supplier will replace it, no dramas. Get it done this morning.