Airbag disconnected misconception

[firetruckred]

This is a couple of video's from the FH Expo 2006. The one I am referring to is the Extrication University Part 1. The instructor stressed the importance of knowing about this misconception. Watch the video. He explains it is new info and critical concerning electrical disconnection.

http://www.firehouse.com/videocenter/

[Frmboybuck]

Not directed at you, Firetruckred. This is not new news......How do you think those little useless battery charging gadgets you plug into your cig lighter work?? If given the ability electricity can travel any direction in any situation

[mcfd45]

This is not new news at all. When I was still a mechanic we had a little box we used to plug in to the power outlet and it would supply enough juice to make sure your computer system did not get reset. The power from a cell phone would be more then enough to keep a capacitor from discharging.
J

[DeputyMarshal]

A valid point but it's overdramatized in the video, IMHO.

Most electronic devices are designed with current rectifiers that prevent the sort of feedback the video warns about. (Otherwise they would rapidly drain their own batteries through the "feedback" effect being discussed whenever they aren't being supplied by the vehicle's electrical system.) That's not to say that there aren't any cheap devices out there without this simple protection but they are arguably the exception rather than the rule.