How to Install a Battery Charger for a Car

It is important to connect the battery charger with respect to the battery post polarities.

Automotive battery chargers are used to revive dead automotive batteries or to preserve the charge on a good automotive battery. A battery charger provides electrical current to a battery, which reverses the buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the battery plates. As a result, the battery plates are exposed to more battery electrolyte, and the battery can provide more electrical power.

It is critical to install the battery charger leads to the correct battery terminals. Otherwise, the battery may become damaged.

Things You'll Need

• Automotive battery
• Battery charger
• Wall electrical outlet

Instructions

1. Attach the black (negative) battery charger to the negative ("NEG" or "--") battery terminal.

2. Attach the red (positive) battery charger to the positive ("POS" or "+") battery terminal.

3. Plug the battery charger into the wall outlet. Turn on the battery charger.

Tips & Warnings

• Attaching the battery charger incorrectly will discharge the battery and poses a fire risk.

References

• Auto Shop 101: Battery Fundamentals
• Southeast Marine Services: Sulfated Battery