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Old 07-17-2021, 10:21 PM   #1
ciolinodom
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Default Battery Switch Wires

I've read some old posts about the battery shut off switch but nothing mentioned anything about the wires. The switch didn't come with any instructions or diagrams. What wires connect to which post? Can you show me a picture of how you wired yours, on both ends of the wire (switch end and battery end)? Thank you for your help with this!
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Old 07-18-2021, 04:28 AM   #2
Bruce of MN
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

How is this?

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Old 07-18-2021, 05:25 AM   #3
springerpete
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

The purpose of the switch is to break the wire so current can't pass and complete the circuit. Most break the ground wire. Ground at battery to switch then other switch contact to frame. If you have two ground wires you must run both thru switch.
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Old 07-18-2021, 08:08 AM   #4
chrs1961815
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Don't know what car you have but on my roadster I ran it in between the starter and battery and attatched to the inside of the stock motor mount. Barely noticeable. On closed cars I have heard of guys putting them up through the floorboards or even under the seats.
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Old 07-18-2021, 08:32 AM   #5
rotorwrench
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

If your battery uses a flat strap for the ground connection then a person would need to either add a fabricated cable from the switch to ground or fabricate a complete set of cables to connect the battery to the switch and the switch to the frame ground. A person needs large gauge cable for 6-volts. 0 or 00 gauge would be advisable or another ground strap can be purchased to make the connection.
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Old 07-18-2021, 08:52 AM   #6
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

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A good heavy cut-out switch [ 5-600 amp ] is a good idea, I think.

Its best to put it in the ground lead, but, it really doesn't make much difference. I stuck mine in the starter lead because it was easier to locate the switch within easy reach and I use 2 ground leads.
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Old 07-18-2021, 09:37 AM   #7
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

As long as the battery is isolated it will make no difference which side is disconnected. The instructions in the maintenance manuals say to disconnect the ground cable when working on the car but I think that is done because there is less chance of an accidental re-connection.

The marine supply places sell heavy duty battery disconnect switches but they are EXPENSIVE.

My battery disconnect switch is in the cable leading from the battery to the starter and is accessible from underneath the car. It can be reached when I am on my knees.
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Old 07-18-2021, 05:10 PM   #8
Bruce of MN
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Pictures of my Coupe



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Old 07-18-2021, 05:59 PM   #9
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Bruce, I had that same switch on my Model T. The big advantage is that you can take the key with you to prevent the car from being started. If you have problems with the switch not making contact, try pushing the key up and down a few time in the off position. That seems to work to clean the contacts.
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Old 07-18-2021, 06:17 PM   #10
Oldgearz
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Like Patrick L. mine cuts the starting wire. It is located to the right of the starter about 7 !/2" at 2:00 as seen
from the front of the car. Switch goes through the firewall and comes out about 7" above the clutch about at 11:30 as seen from drivers seat. Wires connect in engine compartment with switch handle inside near the clutch. Everything is out of the way, but I do have to reach into the car while standing on the outside to turn it on and off. I can see the advantages of having it at bottom of seat under driver so you can reach it while sitting behind the wheel, but I'll leave mine where it is as the area under my seat is totally filled with tools and parts.
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Old 07-19-2021, 07:12 AM   #11
Chris in WNC
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrs1961815 View Post
on my roadster I ran it in between the starter and battery and attatched to the inside of the stock motor mount. Barely noticeable.
interim owner installed ours like that.
first A I've had with one installed.
I like having it but may move to floorboard to eliminate opening hood for turning on/off.....
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Old 07-19-2021, 02:32 PM   #12
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
As long as the battery is isolated it will make no difference which side is disconnected. The instructions in the maintenance manuals say to disconnect the ground cable when working on the car but I think that is done because there is less chance of an accidental re-connection.

The marine supply places sell heavy duty battery disconnect switches but they are EXPENSIVE.

My battery disconnect switch is in the cable leading from the battery to the starter and is accessible from underneath the car. It can be reached when I am on my knees.
I have to disagree with " it will make no difference which side is disconnected ". If you put the switch in the cable to the starter when the switch is off the cable to the switch and the switch terminal are still hot. If you put the switch in the ground cable nothing is hot. Unless you short the battery terminals together.

Bill
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Old 07-23-2021, 05:46 PM   #13
hardtimes
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Default Re: Battery Switch Wires

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Originally Posted by bbrocksr View Post
i have to disagree with " it will make no difference which side is disconnected ". If you put the switch in the cable to the starter when the switch is off the cable to the switch and the switch terminal are still hot. If you put the switch in the ground cable nothing is hot. Unless you short the battery terminals together.

Bill
times 2 !!
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