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How can I tell which wire is positive and which is negative?

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Old 05-22-2005, 09:13 PM
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Default How can I tell which wire is positive and which is negative?

Is there a way to test out which is which? Is it safe to hook it up and see if it works or will something catastrophic happen if the wires are reversed?
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Old 05-22-2005, 09:15 PM
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your best investment would be a voltage meter!
even if you dont want to spend a ton of money, you can go pick one up from wallyworld or even harbor freight.
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Old 05-22-2005, 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Big_Jim
your best investment would be a voltage meter!
even if you dont want to spend a ton of money, you can go pick one up from wallyworld or even harbor freight.
you could also stick your tounge to it. That will tell you really quick and it's free. j/k lol ;)
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Old 05-22-2005, 10:04 PM
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LOL, too funny
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Old 05-22-2005, 11:25 PM
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Default Re: How can I tell which wire is positive and which is negat

Originally Posted by ProjectD
Is there a way to test out which is which? Is it safe to hook it up and see if it works or will something catastrophic happen if the wires are reversed?
If you are talking about 12 volt power then no it is not safe to just hook it up and see if the smoke gets let out...

Now if you are talking about speakers...then the worse thing you could have happen is your signal being out of phase between left/right channels and canceling each other out.
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Old 05-23-2005, 07:05 AM
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what wires are you talking about? power wires or signal wires?
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Old 05-23-2005, 07:12 AM
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if you looking for voltage what ever you dont buy a cheap test light....
if you use a cheap test light you can do more damage then hooking it up, stick with a meter of some sort.....if speakers or stereo let me know i have wiring diagram for all makes and all years of vehicles.. ALLDATA
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Old 05-23-2005, 07:16 AM
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Default Re: How can I tell which wire is positive and which is negat

Originally Posted by xB Nutt
Originally Posted by ProjectD
Is there a way to test out which is which? Is it safe to hook it up and see if it works or will something catastrophic happen if the wires are reversed?
If you are talking about 12 volt power then no it is not safe to just hook it up and see if the smoke gets let out...

Now if you are talking about speakers...then the worse thing you could have happen is your signal being out of phase between left/right channels and canceling each other out.
noo if you let the smoke out it wont work anymore........
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Old 05-23-2005, 03:14 PM
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Based on the questions you have asked... you just need to take your car somewhere to get whatever you want done ... done. Or at least get someone to help you in person so you can learn. You're going to melt a harness or burn your ECU..
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