Cleaning battery terminals

[ryanandtracy]

This may sound like a silly question but I just don't want to damage anything...

I have 2 banks of batteries wired in series which are powered by solar panels. I would like to clean the terminals of the batteries. Can I disconnect the battery in the series that needs to be cleaned or do I need to start from the beginning and disconnect the first one? Both positive and negative? Do I need to do anything to isolate the panels before doing this?

I bit of guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

[sailormed]

Cut the output of your solar panels first. The controller will burn out if you cut the DC current that feeds the controller and the panels are still feeding the controller.
After cutting solar output cut the DC current to the controller and all other consumers.
You can then work on the batteries in any sequence that suits you best.

[JoeRobertJr]

Originally Posted by sailormed

Cut the output of your solar panels first.

By "cut", do you mean reduce the output, such as by covering the panels? Or do you mean disconnect the wires between the panels and the controller?

[sailormed]

Best is to disconnect the cables from panels to controller. But you can also totally cover the panels so that there is no current flowing.

[Sailmonkey]

Don’t forget to turn off a battery charger if you’ve got one.

[s/v Jedi]

Why not just turning off the MPPT controllers, battery chargers, alternator regulators etc. instead of disconnecting everything?

For the battery bank, turn off the main battery switch first, then disconnect and remove the series jumpers. Now disconnect the main positive cable and wrap it’s terminal with tape, then put to the side. Next do the same for the negative cable.

If there are any temperature or voltage sensors etc., remove them all so you have battery tops ready for cleaning.

I like to use the cleaner from CRC and rinse with clean fresh water. Don’t forget the protector during reassembly. You can use NoOxId or dielectric grease etc.

[Simi 60]

Wouldn't any decent solar set up have a breaker?

[Wotname]

^^ no, not necessary for many decent set ups, perhaps needed for some set ups.