Battery terminals on opposite sides 😡🤬

[Bouba]

Why oh why do 12v battery manufacturers have terminals posts on different sides ?
The other day I swapped out two batteries in an awkward place....a job requiring a lot of pre planning to save my delicate back. When I got them in...to my horror I realized I forgot to check the terminal post position....and spent another half an hour bent in an unnatural position to reroute the wires.
Now I have another battery to change....but all the batteries with the exact dimensions I need have the posts in the opposite position....so now I have to go back to the boat to check if my cabling can stretch that far...before I can order them.
Maybe I should have put this in the gripe thread....

 

[Tranona]

Maybe you should spend a bit more time researching what you need to buy. Different terminal post set ups reflect different installation requirements. There is a standard range of terminal positions and the spec sheets for a battery clearly show the position of the terminals. So all your fault - not the manufacturers!

 

[westernman]

The great thing about standard specifications is that there are just so many to choose from.......

 

[ChromeDome]

Agree. Especially since batteries are heavy and commonly need to go in weird places.

Car battery post (terminal) designs can be, for example

• A tapered, cone-shaped post with the positive terminal larger (typically 19.5mm) than the negative (17.5mm)
• Threaded rod posts (typically 3/8" or 5/16") for secure bolt connections, used in heavy-duty and marine batteries
• Combined post with a stud, allowing connection via ring terminal or wing nut
• Located on the side of the battery case
• "L" terminal with a hole for bolting
• Button/Insert Terminal in AGM and industrial batteries, accepts a machine screw/bolt
• Universal Terminal, both top and side terminal

 

[ChromeDome]

The great thing about standard specifications is that there are just so many to choose from.......

Another great use of mobile phone cameras, before ordering stuff.

 

[Bouba]

Maybe you should spend a bit more time researching what you need to buy. Different terminal post set ups reflect different installation requirements. There is a standard range of terminal positions and the spec sheets for a battery clearly show the position of the terminals. So all your fault - not the manufacturers!

I know it’s my fault....I said so. I am just lamenting that something as simple as changing a battery has been needlessly made an obstacle course. These things are easy to forget....first we are all old....second is that we might not buy another battery for five or eight years....plenty of time to forget

 

[wonkywinch]

I know it’s my fault....I said so. I am just lamenting that something as simple as changing a battery has been needlessly made an obstacle course. These things are easy to forget....first we are all old....second is that we might not buy another battery for five or eight years....plenty of time to forget

Measure twice, cut once.

 

[Bouba]

Measure twice, cut once.

That is exactly the problem.... I was really concentrating on the size...to fit the battery box....I even check the terminal shape....and when I receive the batteries I go over them thoroughly in case there is a vent plug hidden from view (yeah, been burnt by that one too)...something was bound to be overlooked

 

[Grubble]

The problem isn't the battery manufacturers, the problem is those pesky owners who don't all have the exact same boat as Bouba.

 

[Bouba]

The problem isn't the battery manufacturers, the problem is those pesky owners who don't all have the exact same boat as Bouba.

Honestly.....I don’t wish a Beneteau on anybody

 

[Bouba]

Ok....if it’s just application...ie, a Ford might have the battery on one side a Chevy the other (I just made that up, don’t turn it into a issue!)....why don’t battery manufacturers offer their battery and you then choose the orientation, post etc....I am not saying they don’t...only I have never noticed they do

 

[Seastoke]

I know it’s my fault....I said so. I am just lamenting that something as simple as changing a battery has been needlessly made an obstacle course. These things are easy to forget....first we are all old....second is that we might not buy another battery for five or eight years....plenty of time to forget

Get your wife or your dog to spec the job . Next time.

 

[wonkywinch]

why don’t battery manufacturers offer their battery and you then choose the orientation, post etc

Cost?

 

[Martin_J]

I still remember many years ago being told to imagine that I was standing, with the battery at my feet, long side with the terminals on towards me, and I would be looking down at it...

I only then had to remember which foot the negative terminal was nearest..

Saved me having to try and picture the whole battery orientation as well as terminals.

 

[wonkywinch]

Who remembers flashing dynamos to convert your car from positive to negative earth so you could fit a new fangled car stereo or 8 track?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ok....if it’s just application...ie, a Ford might have the battery on one side a Chevy the other (I just made that up, don’t turn it into a issue!)....why don’t battery manufacturers offer their battery and you then choose the orientation, post etc....I am not saying they don’t...only I have never noticed they do

If it's a car, you put the registration number into the battery suppliers website and it give you the correct battery, with options from different manufacturers.

If it's a boat you have to use your eyes

 

[Martin_J]

If it's a boat you have to use your eyes

... and feet (in my post)!

 

[Bouba]

I still remember many years ago being told to imagine that I was standing, with the battery at my feet, long side with the terminals on towards me, and I would be looking down at it...

I only then had to remember which foot the negative terminal was nearest..

Saved me having to try and picture the whole battery orientation as well as terminals.

It bit like straw foot hay foot....

 

[Martin_J]

You'll be writing '-ve' on one shoe and '+ve' on the other shoe next...

(I had to look up 'hay foot straw foot'!).

 

[ChromeDome]

And while at it with red/black marking, write on the batteries when they were bought and how long the warranty.

Common for battery suppliers to emboss the sale date/year into the terminals.