The Ford Barn

Russell Reay · 10-18-2021, 02:20 PM

My car came with a shut-off switch mounted to the firewall just above the clutch pedal. I didn't like the looks of it, so removed it and welded the holes closed. I expect to still want a shut-off, but not in that location. Are shut-offs always on the power cable? Is there any reason why they can't be on the ground side?

Ruth · 10-18-2021, 02:34 PM

I have mine on the ground side and believe that is the preferred way.

Eccentric Old Guy · 10-18-2021, 02:34 PM

We'll see what the "experts" say, but my understanding is that anywhere in the battery circuit would do the job...

51504bat · 10-18-2021, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Reay

My car came with a shut-off switch mounted to the firewall just above the clutch pedal. I didn't like the looks of it, so removed it and welded the holes closed. I expect to still want a shut-off, but not in that location. Are shut-offs always on the power cable? Is there any reason why they can't be on the ground side?

My opinion regarding disconnect switches for what its worth. When disconnecting a battery you should always disconnect the ground first, or so my auto shop teacher said way back when. If you start with the power side and the wrench slips and touches ground, instant arc welding. Same applies to the shut off switch. Have it on the ground side. If you switch the hot side everything before the switch can potentially make contact with ground with the resultant spark. Again, JMO.

Patrick L. · 10-18-2021, 05:20 PM

The switch can be mounted either way, but, the ground cable is preferable.

I like them in a handy location, like in the seat riser.

Bob C · 10-18-2021, 06:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Ground

Bruce of MN · 10-18-2021, 06:21 PM

Mine is on the ground side and is located here on my ‘31 coupe

McMimmcs · 10-18-2021, 06:25 PM

I think you will find the majority use the ground side, I’ve personally not seen one on the power side. Mine is located on the floor at the seat riser.

51504bat · 10-18-2021, 07:04 PM

IIRC at least one of the major race sanctioning bodies require that the disconnect switch be the hot side.

Synchro909 · 10-18-2021, 07:50 PM

I have 4 Model As and every one of them has the switch on the earth side. Just where is the best place to mount it is a personal thing but in my Tudor, it is accessed through a slot in the carpet between the two front seats. It is mounted on the crossmember and you have to look carefully to see the slot where I poke my finger through to throw the switch. All of the others are on the seat riser between my legs. To do that, I have had to buy longer cables to get from the battery across tot he RHS of the car but so what.

Big hammer · 10-19-2021, 06:40 AM

If you have an extra ground cable, make sure it is switched !!

marty in Ohio · 10-19-2021, 06:57 AM

When I mounted my kill switch I went to Snyder's and bought two cables that were a perfect fit. My switch is in the ground side and is mounted in the seat riser. Then I built a small wooden box around the switch so anything under the seat (jack, tools, etc.) will not slide around and hit the business end of the switch.
Marty

Bob from Northport · 10-19-2021, 08:38 AM

Bruce from MN has a very nice installation!!

eagle · 10-19-2021, 09:18 AM

Just make sure the switch you use will not open with a bump from your foot, a tool, or etc accidentally. Remember, the battery is basically the voltage regulator on an A. Remove the battery and the voltage from the generator will burn out bulbs etc in a big hurry!

katy · 10-19-2021, 10:05 AM

[QUOTE=Bruce of MN;2067925]Mine is on the ground side and is located here on my ‘31 coupe

Is that one of the switches w/a removable handle? That would make a good security feature.

Russell Reay · 10-19-2021, 03:14 PM

All good input. Thanks to everyone.

Bruce of MN · 10-19-2021, 08:14 PM

[QUOTE=katy;2068119]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Mine is on the ground side and is located here on my ‘31 coupe

Is that one of the switches w/a removable handle? That would make a good security feature.

Yes and this is a view from below.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/album...ictureid=43950

Redbird · 10-19-2021, 09:59 PM

How big of a hole is needed?

CWPASADENA · 10-19-2021, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51504bat

IIRC at least one of the major race sanctioning bodies require that the disconnect switch be the hot side.

I was involved with Motorsports for more than 50 years and all my experience was the the Master Shut Off Switch was always to be on the ground side.

Chris W.

Bruce of MN · 10-20-2021, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbird

How big of a hole is needed?

Probably varies for each switch.

10-18-2021, 02:20 PM	#1
Russell Reay Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: NH/ VT Posts: 332	Power shut-off switch My car came with a shut-off switch mounted to the firewall just above the clutch pedal. I didn't like the looks of it, so removed it and welded the holes closed. I expect to still want a shut-off, but not in that location. Are shut-offs always on the power cable? Is there any reason why they can't be on the ground side?

10-18-2021, 02:34 PM	#2
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,336	Re: Power shut-off switch I have mine on the ground side and believe that is the preferred way. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

10-18-2021, 02:34 PM	#3
Eccentric Old Guy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Montana Posts: 186	Re: Power shut-off switch We'll see what the "experts" say, but my understanding is that anywhere in the battery circuit would do the job...

10-18-2021, 05:20 PM	#5
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Power shut-off switch The switch can be mounted either way, but, the ground cable is preferable. I like them in a handy location, like in the seat riser.

10-18-2021, 06:10 PM	#6
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,741	Re: Power shut-off switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ground

10-18-2021, 06:21 PM	#7
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,409	Re: Power shut-off switch Mine is on the ground side and is located here on my ‘31 coupe

10-18-2021, 06:25 PM	#8
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: Power shut-off switch I think you will find the majority use the ground side, I’ve personally not seen one on the power side. Mine is located on the floor at the seat riser.

10-18-2021, 07:04 PM	#9
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,007	Re: Power shut-off switch IIRC at least one of the major race sanctioning bodies require that the disconnect switch be the hot side. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

10-18-2021, 07:50 PM	#10
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,488	Re: Power shut-off switch I have 4 Model As and every one of them has the switch on the earth side. Just where is the best place to mount it is a personal thing but in my Tudor, it is accessed through a slot in the carpet between the two front seats. It is mounted on the crossmember and you have to look carefully to see the slot where I poke my finger through to throw the switch. All of the others are on the seat riser between my legs. To do that, I have had to buy longer cables to get from the battery across tot he RHS of the car but so what. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

10-19-2021, 06:40 AM	#11
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,126	Re: Power shut-off switch If you have an extra ground cable, make sure it is switched !! __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

10-19-2021, 06:57 AM	#12
marty in Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 755	Re: Power shut-off switch When I mounted my kill switch I went to Snyder's and bought two cables that were a perfect fit. My switch is in the ground side and is mounted in the seat riser. Then I built a small wooden box around the switch so anything under the seat (jack, tools, etc.) will not slide around and hit the business end of the switch. Marty

10-19-2021, 08:38 AM	#13
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	Re: Power shut-off switch Bruce from MN has a very nice installation!! __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

10-19-2021, 09:18 AM	#14
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Power shut-off switch Just make sure the switch you use will not open with a bump from your foot, a tool, or etc accidentally. Remember, the battery is basically the voltage regulator on an A. Remove the battery and the voltage from the generator will burn out bulbs etc in a big hurry! __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

10-19-2021, 10:05 AM	#15
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,042	Re: Power shut-off switch [QUOTE=Bruce of MN;2067925]Mine is on the ground side and is located here on my ‘31 coupe Is that one of the switches w/a removable handle? That would make a good security feature. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

10-19-2021, 03:14 PM	#16
Russell Reay Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: NH/ VT Posts: 332	Re: Power shut-off switch All good input. Thanks to everyone.

10-19-2021, 09:59 PM	#18
Redbird Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Georgetown, TX Posts: 535	Re: Power shut-off switch How big of a hole is needed?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode