Can't connect charger's cables to battery without sparks
Without the charger connected to power, I can't connect the charger's cables to the battery without sparks. Either connecting positive to negative or positive to positibe
Electrical Supplies - Schumacher - & Fast Charge Starter Charger
Answers & Comments
NEVER connect positive to negative. You'll damage your electrical system in the car or fry the charger.
It is best to put the positive on first, and then the negative. Remember, it doesn't always have to be the negative post of the battery, it can be a really good ground on the bare metal of your car.
But sparks just go along with it - don't let them scare you. But I always connect the clamps first, then turn on the charger, with the dial on "off". Then make sure of the 6/12 volt settings, and the amp charge you want to put on. A long slow charge overnight fo 12 volt can be 10 amps. A relatively fast is 50. And then to jump it off, go to the setting.
Make sure the battery being charged is sitting in wood, not concrete. If you have the old fashioned battery with removeble water caps, don't breathe the vapors.