"protective" boots on electrical terminals
"protective" boots on electrical terminals
(OP)
I have a question regarding the rubber boots that are found on the positive terminals of alternators and starter motors.
Do we really need them?
Currently, I have seen instances where the boot collects more dirt and water than it shields. Over time, the boots become brittle and have to be cut off anyways to inspect and/or remove the nut under the boot. After this happens, there is no boot on there until the cable is replaced.
However, the boot does help in the prevention of shorts to ground (if another cable or tool comes in contact with it). And it is also a visual indicator that the terminal/post is usually the positive power supply.
From what I can see...
Reasons to use boot:
Sometimes protects the terminal from the elements.
Prevents shorting to ground (accidental)
Visual indicator of main power to component.
Reasons to not use the boot:
Sometimes collects dirt/water and terminal corrodes quicker.
Technicians can visually inspect the terminal easier and more effectively.
Over time it breaks off or is cut off by a technician anyways (so what is the point in the first place?)
I would appreciate any thoughts or tips. Are there SAE or IEEE standards?
Do we really need them?
Currently, I have seen instances where the boot collects more dirt and water than it shields. Over time, the boots become brittle and have to be cut off anyways to inspect and/or remove the nut under the boot. After this happens, there is no boot on there until the cable is replaced.
However, the boot does help in the prevention of shorts to ground (if another cable or tool comes in contact with it). And it is also a visual indicator that the terminal/post is usually the positive power supply.
From what I can see...
Reasons to use boot:
Sometimes protects the terminal from the elements.
Prevents shorting to ground (accidental)
Visual indicator of main power to component.
Reasons to not use the boot:
Sometimes collects dirt/water and terminal corrodes quicker.
Technicians can visually inspect the terminal easier and more effectively.
Over time it breaks off or is cut off by a technician anyways (so what is the point in the first place?)
I would appreciate any thoughts or tips. Are there SAE or IEEE standards?





RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
I see the covers as okay to prevent incidental shorts from stupidity or carelessness...and to cover DOT rules, perhaps.
I use covers on my batt terminals and my alt terminal because the racing club rules say a must...so, I do!
My 1930 Model A Ford is now 77 years old with NO covers and it's doing just fine, thank you very much.
Rod
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
I should add that this decision (to use them or not) will affect a fleet of over 1000 city buses.
Dave
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
Your input has been useful in my decision.
Dave
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
"...DOT rules, I'm sure...". Yep, I agree...at least in that part.
Having had a couple of 'incidents' (race related) where I had up close and personal experiences with these darling little rubber thingies...They ain't worth crap at protecting an electrical terminal from a dead short when a big, honking chunk of somethig or other whacks the crap out of it---as we usually see in crashes, hey?
Rod
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
You can never underestimate the stupidity and carelessnes, indeed, pure ignorance, of the folk that purchase and operate a motot vehicle on public roads. The little 'rubber thingies' (my termonology) don't even measure up here...I watched an 'older gentleman' check to see if his battery had a charge by peeling back the OEM cover on the batt and solidly shoving an open set of pliers hard against both terminals...It was hot. Trust me, it WAS hot! I guess I'm rather insensitive, ILMAO!!!
Rod
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals
ISZ
RE: "protective" boots on electrical terminals