[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jim,
The battery may be used in any orientation. Terminals up or on the side is preferred. We have used the battery in the suppine or laid down position in the past. When charging the terminals should not be pointed down. If you take a close look at the top of the battery you will notice a small plastic strip across the top. This hides the cell vents. If you charge the battery with the top facing down, the vents may leak some gell. Highly unlikely but possible.

Electrical current may not flow through any part of the metal frame of the robot....
<R51> All wiring and electrical devices shall be electrically isolated from the ROBOT frame; the
ROBOT frame must not be used to carry electrical current (this isolated ground arrangement
is necessary due to polarity reversals that occur under certain operating conditions such as
during motor direction reversals).
Yes inspectors do check. The common causes are improper insulation, improper mounting of custom circuit, mounting without insulation for sensors or pinched wires. On occassion, teams run wiring through robot frame and other team members will then unknowingly drill or machine the frame and damage the wire.