Which battery lead to disconnect?

["John Fielding" <johnf@domain.elided>]

Esteemed Digestables,

I have often been puzzled by books recommending one to disconnect the negative lead from
the battery before working on the vehicle.  I have tried to fathom out the logic why it
must be the negative lead and not the positive.  If any one has a definitive article which
explains why this should be so I would appreciate knowing about it.

I have an alternative theory, but I would like to get some other opinions before
disclosing what it is.

John
Durban
South Africa
Alfetta 1.8L turbo  -  now fitted with a Megasquirt MKII EFI controller!
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