Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic connection of battery cables to eliminate spark or other undesirable effects from misconnection includes apparatus for sensing the polarity of the batteries to which the cables are attached and for automatically switching the connection cables so that the polarities are matched. Other portions of the circuit inhibit charging if one of the clamps becomes disconnected from a battery post or if a battery is below a predetermined small voltage indicating either an unchargeable battery or a disconnected cable condition. A specialized battery cable clamp is provided in which one set of jaws is insulated from the other, with a standoff preventing the jaws from touching each other. Once predetermined conditions have been met and the sense of the terminals on each of the batteries has been periodically ascertained, the main switching relays are activated so as to connect the appropriate main battery cables from one battery to another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic connection of battery cables to eliminate spark or other undesirable effects from misconnection includes apparatus for sensing the polarity of the batteries to which the cables are attached and for automatically switching the connection cables so that the polarities are matched. Other portions of the circuit inhibit charging if one of the clamps becomes disconnected from a battery post or if a battery is below a predetermined small voltage indicating either an unchargeable battery or a disconnected cable condition. A specialized battery cable clamp is provided in which one set of jaws is insulated from the other, with a standoff preventing the jaws from touching each other. Once predetermined conditions have been met and the sense of the terminals on each of the batteries has been periodically ascertained, the main switching relays are activated so as to connect the appropriate main battery cables from one battery to another.