Reno,
You summed it up very well. I can only add a few details. When you remove the load on an alternator by removing a battery lead, you not only risk destruction of electronic components,you may also destroy the alternator. The voltage can surge close to 100 volts. Also alternators are designed to keep a battery charged and not to recharge a dead battery. If you continue to use an alternator to recharge a dead battery, it will fail prematurely. When you experience a battery exploding and call a battery expert, he or she will ask you if you have a Ford Escort.

Peter

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