battery shut off switch

[nancy charles]

when using a green twist off top battery switch is there a preference to which side of the battery the switch is connected ? THANKS N.C.R.S. member

[Wayne K.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Nancy,

I use one of those and although some prefer the lever type I personally haven't had any problems after five years use, knock on wood. The one I have would only fit the negative post as the post sizes are different. That would be the one to use anyway on a negative ground system.

Wayne

[John H.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Install it on the negative post - that completely removes all ground potential from anything in the car when it's disconnected; no ground potential, no short-circuits.

[Rob A.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Wayne,

Is the battery cutoff switch installed to prevent the battery from running low, from sitting for long periods, or is there a safety issue involved as well? I drive my car almost daily so battery cranking power is not a problem for me.

[Wayne K.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Rob,

I installed one as my car sits all winter and even during driving season it will sit sometimes for weeks without use. It is much easier to turn the nob or lift the lever to disconnect the ground than to mess with the cable. The purpose as you have mentioned is to keep the battery from running low.

Wayne

[Brian M.]

Re: battery shut off switch

I prefer the Blade type switch, it looks like a much better connection.

[Chuck S.]

Re: battery shut off switch

That would be response to the question as well, Brian...wouldn't use the green knob. I've heard too many stories of fires, shorts, etc. with the knob.

You only have to look at old-timey high voltage switch gear to see which is the better connection...three synchronized blades on disconnects; one for each phase.

[Gary S.]

Re: battery shut off switch

I am one of those that had personal experience with the green twist knob for a battery cutoff. Too many times I got to go and really honk down on the green knob to get get current flow. The blade type has solved all of my problems.

You use the negative side so you never have to worry about creating an indavertant short to ground with the switch on the positive side.

Gary

[Joe M.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Check out the battery cutoff switches found in marine supply stores. Lot of different configurations and all heavy duty as their purpose is to prevent explosions when refueling a boat.

[Donald M.]

Re: battery shut off switch

Gary, you are 100% right about the blade-type cutoff switch. It's the only way to go--much better/safer than the green knob ones. I believe it is called a "Save-ty" Switch, they're adverised in most of the Corvette magazines and probably in the Driveline.
Don