<VV> Alternators without connections

[Jim Simpson]

I've watched the debate go back and forth over if it is safe/a good 
idea/sanitary/immoral to leave an alternator disconnected while 
testing an engine or if it should be shorted out to prevent 
lightening bolts from zapping every living creature in the area.

How about a compromise?  Just hang an automobile lamp across the 
terminals.  It will present a modest load to bleed off any high 
voltages present but certainly won't draw enough current to matter otherwise.

Jim Simpson, Group Corvair