Sparks when connecting batteries.

[retiredflyer]

I know it's no big deal, but every time I connect up my t-connector batteries to my ESC's they spark at the point of connection until I can get the connection together. I have never seen this because until recently I exclusively used bullet type connectors. The connection point is deeper inside on those so maybe it's to be expected with the more exposed copper on the T-type. Just had me a little scared and worried at first! Inevitably, the connection takes a few tries as they are tight and need to fit just so, and something always hangs up. Meanwhile, they are sparking in my hand. I didn't want the sparking to hurt my electronics as I was connecting. Does this happen with everyone?

[Lon]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

Yes. I've had the same experience as you. The "T" connector's don't hide the spark like some other connectors when connecting.

[SOB8604]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

I get a small spark each time also.

[Capt. Crunch]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

I had one spark so bad it melted one of the prongs on the connector. Not exactly sure what I did to have that happen

Jeff

[retiredflyer]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

OK, I feel better that it does happen.  Just the nature of those connectors I guess.  Being an electrician for the past 30 years at work has trained me that "sparks" are not usually a good sign.  I just wanted to make sure that the potential making/breaking the connection to the ESC might not be good for it.  That vs. a good, quick, clean connection.  Seems I'm always fiddling with those t-conn's, they just do not want to go together nice and smooth.

[Capt. Crunch]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

That's a good point Retiredflier, I never considered it might be damaging the ESC. I guess only time will tell on that one. I like the T connectors because they have a nice solid fit when attached. I will take a t connect over a bullet connector any day

[WintrSol]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

That's a good point Retiredflier, I never considered it might be damaging the ESC.  I guess only time will tell on that one. I like the T connectors because they have a nice solid fit when attached. I will take a t connect over a bullet connector any day

Castle Creations says the spark is a good thing - that it proves the input capacitors on the ESC are working. Others point out that the high inrush current slowly damages those capacitors. For certain, the higher the battery voltage, the bigger the spark. You should see the spark with a 6S battery, even with bullet connectors.

[retiredflyer]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

That's a good point Retiredflier, I never considered it might be damaging the ESC.  I guess only time will tell on that one. I like the T connectors because they have a nice solid fit when attached. I will take a t connect over a bullet connector any day

Castle Creations says the spark is a good thing - that it proves the input capacitors on the ESC are working. Others point out that the high inrush current slowly damages those capacitors. For certain, the higher the battery voltage, the bigger the spark. You should see the spark with a 6S battery, even with bullet connectors.

That makes me feel better....Thanks!

[Loneflier]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

Thanks for the post. I had wondered the same thing about the sparks hurting the ESC. I also see it regularly when using the T connectors.

[FLY BOY]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

Greetings from the Pacific NW,

Very interesting post for sure. When I first started using T-connectors, I never minded the spark when connecting. But what bothered me was the inability to make a smooth connection when plugging them in together. I know with out a smooth transition when connecting, that is where the possible ESC damage can happen. Having more than one ark in a row.  

My fix? I took a T-connector that was NOT connected to anything on the other ends, and PRACTICED, PRACTICED, PRACTICED connecting them together until I figured out the sweet spot to a smooth transition. I now have it down to a slight single ark as I plug it together in a smooth single stroke. Happy Landings! ;)

[rpevehouse]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

I have also noticed the spark,but never thought much about it.I figure as long as I have a good connection once plugged in,that the most important thing.Don't want loose terminal,or poor connection giving amperage issue's,melting connectors etc....

A higher quality connector with a built-in shorting bar,such as an automotive airbag connector would for sure protect


the fragile circuitry from a thermal event though.lol.
Clear sky's fellas

[retiredflyer]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

I know what you mean, seems like I'm trying forever to get those connectors together. They just don't go smoothly.

[FLY BOY]

RE: Sparks when connecting batteries.

Well all righty then, Time for Pacific NW TIPS AND TRICKS, brought to by Fly boy.  ;)

The most common mistake I made when connecting a T connector was trying to connect them straight together in parallel. Touching both brass contacts at the same time and pushing the plug together. 9 times out of 10 this does not work for I found my contacts out of alignment with each other causing a jam and retry.  

What I have found to work 9 out of 10 times is bring the connectors together at a 45 degree angle touching and slightly plugging in the flat tab first, Or horizontal tab. Plug it in just slightly to give you proper alignment so when you push in and up, the vertical tab is aligned as well giving you, smooth as butter, one easy, one spark motion. And you will find that the ark of the spark is much less intense, there for much less damaging if at all to the ESC.  After 5 minutes of practice you will grease the landing, HA pardon the pun. Hope this helps and Happy Landings from the Pacific NW  :D