Getting It Done In "Six": 12v shutdown

[rmoore]

You're teaching vehicle rescue to your fellow fire department crew members. You want to make some of the basic tasks that you routinely do simple and therefore easy to teach/easy to remember.

The task is 12-volt electrical system shutdown. In the scenario you present to the class, the battery is under the hood and the hood is closed. Can you do this is just six steps?

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[rmoore]

When I explain my recommended battery shutdown process, I list them in simple, easy to remember steps. Here's my step-by-step process for electrical system shutdown;

1) Locate a battery; engine compt, trunk, under seat, under floor, etc

2) Disconnect or 'double cut' the ground cable(s)

3) Disconnect or 'double cut' the hot(positive) cable(s)

4) Pull power accessory cords from any interior power ports; dash, instrument panel, center console, second or third-row seats

5) Confirm total 12v power shutdown; no headlights, dome light, door courtesy light, horn, instrument panel lights, etc.

6) If any 12v electrical system remains energized, continue search for second battery. Locate second battery and repeat battery disconnect or 'double cut' process and re-confirm shutdown