What is this red thing?

[German59731]

Ok, I’ve thought about this for a while now and can’t figure it out. Two of them came in the owners manual pouch with my 252s. What is it?

 

[JBehrens]

Cover for the battery terminals

 

[sunbyrned]

Yep! Run your positive battery lines through them and cover the terminals with them. It also helps you to know which line is positive.

 

[the MfM]

We aren’t supposed to provide the correct answer on the first page of what is it threads. Internet forums 101.

 

[sunbyrned]

We aren’t supposed to provide the correct answer on the first page of what is it threads. Internet forums 101.

I’m showing my age.

 

[zipper]

Covers on the positive battery terminal are required by ABYC/Coast Guard guidelines. Dealer should have put them on if not already on the positive cables.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Huh, I knew what it was for, but it was floating around in my boat spare parts. Figured there would have been a black one too that I must of lost. Wasn't sure where it came from.

 

[zipper]

Huh, I knew what it was for, but it was floating around in my boat spare parts. Figured there would have been a black one too that I must of lost. Wasn't sure where it came from.

Black is not required as it will not throw sparks when grounded out. It's ground. Red is required.

 

[Seadeals]

Is there a year when the positive cover became a requirement? With a 2006, I have never seen that. Thinking (like the fire extinguisher port in the engine hatch) some things are not required on the “antiques”. I have a wood housing with open sides that prevents dropping something across the battery terminals; but curious if a safety inspection would deem the lack of a rubber cover a violation.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Is it still required when you have a cover over the batteries and they are recessed? Or how about in a battery box?

 

[spatty99]

Just need to ensure the positive is covered. ABYC specifically states "...each battery shall be protected so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the ungrounded battery terminal...". They note that this can be accomplished with a boot, shield, battery box, or special battery compartment.

 

[zipper]

Is it still required when you have a cover over the batteries and they are recessed? Or how about in a battery box?

No, if you have a battery box with a cover you are not required to have a positive terminal boot. Here is the requirement CFR title 33 section 183.420