When checking a battery, what should never be done with the terminals?

Placing a metal object between the battery terminals creates a direct short circuit, which can lead to severe hazards such as sparking, explosive reactions, or even physical damage to the battery itself. When a short circuit occurs, a large amount of current can flow through the metal object, potentially causing burns, battery failure, or even an explosion if gases are released from the battery. Best practices for handling batteries always stress keeping metal objects away from terminals to avoid any unintended electrical connection.

Ensuring safety requires that before performing any checks on a battery, the terminals should be disconnected if necessary and proper protective equipment like gloves should be used to avoid any accidental contact with corrosive materials. Additionally, using a meter to check voltage should always be done with care to avoid any shock or short circuit. Thus, it’s vital to handle batteries with caution and respect to prevent dangerous situations.