Alternative to a master disconnect switch?

[mleder]

After looking at adding a master disconnect switch to my 31 stant window sedan I cannot find what I think is a neat installation to keep a quality switch, not a light weight junk one (Cole Hersee brand are quality) in the drivers compartment out of the way. This is due to the fact of the steel stuctual member running just backwards of the battery compartment. My one thought is to use twist lock plugs that are typically used on welding leads to give me the ability to break the ground from battery. I could run them up thru the floor board and keep them neatly out of the way and break the ground connection rapidly if needed. Are there any thoughts as to this being a solution for an uncluttered and reliable way to disconnect power. Feel free to redirect me if I'm looking in the wrong direction.

[Mike V. Florida]

Check this out It simply bolts onto the bottom bolt on the starter motor, then fit the switch to it;

Click on picture for the vendor.

[Mitch//pa]

i like installing the switch discretely so it can be reached from tthe drivers seat if needed. i also like installing them on the ground side of the system. you should be able to install it at the crossmember under the front of the seat.. do a search on this as there are some threads showing different installs on various body styles.

[Ed Saniewski]

I have installed the set up that Mike shows above on each of my cars. I leave the drivers side hood up after shutting off the battery, and at a glance, can tell that all the cars are off. When I go to take a car out for a drive, I remind myself to check the oil before turning on the battery on.

[fiddlybits]

Since i drive mine in the winter and the floorboards get a bit wet/muddy I didn't like the idea of putting an electrical switch down on or by the floor.
i mounted mine on the firewall and made 2/0 jumpers back to the ground. Made the jumpers from welding cable and fabric covered them.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

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Added a cut-off to my Tudor. It breaks the ground wire (the ONLY correct way to do it).
http://www.cedarcreekas.org/TechTopics/CutOffSwitch.pdf
I, too, wanted a switch easily accessible from inside the car since in an emergency I don't want to have to be jumping out and trying to open the hood to find a switch in the engine compartment.

[Kurt in NJ]

The simplest of all, and it requires no modifications ---take off a battery terminal

[rscardina]

I installed mine on the ground wire of my 6 volt positive ground coupe. I installed in the cross member in front of the seat. I used an existing rectangular hole in the cross member to mount it.

[MikeK]

Just so everybody is clear on this, a battery cutoff switch alone is NOT a safety shutoff! The engine will continue to run, with the genny or alternator powering the entire electrical system- even if you have a hot smoking short circuit.

If also want it to function as an engine kill to stop generated power to the electrical system you need a double pole switch like this:

The heavy lugs break the battery. The smaller (rated 20A) are wired to break the ignition and, if you have them, electric shutoff and fuel pump. THAT stops the engine in an emergency and in turn stops the running genny or alternator from powering a damaged electrical system independent of the battery. If you have an alternator you need to be careful not to wire this switch to break the entire alternator output from the output lug. That is usually fatal for the alternator. Many racing sanctions demand this type of switch and they can also be wired into the alternator internal circuit for a safe instant kill as an alternative to splicing into the ignition and fuel supply.

Of course, in a running engine electrical emergency you could just remember to shut off BOTH the ignition and battery, but this dual switch makes it simple.

[Keith True]

The Cole-Hersey switch is available in a long stem too.Not just a long shoulder where you mount it,but the part that turns .I have one on a loader.The switch is about 3 inches behind the panel it protrudes through.It is mounted behind the panel,not to it.There is a 5/16ths hole with just the stem and knob sticking through.

[Dodge]

I use the one with the green knob that goes on a battery terminal. It is easy to put
one and easy to use. You just reach thru the battery cover on the floor and unscrew the
knob a couple of turns. They are less than $10.00

[Barry B./ Ma.]

I won't use that green knob one on a bet, the contact area carries a lot of current and it gets corroded letting the generator run wild if there's not a good electrical path. I know, this happened to me on a trip starting a fire which I was able to put out luckily.
I will only use the heavy duty metallic on/off switch now.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Barry B./ Ma.

I won't use that green knob one on a bet, the contact area carries a lot of current and it gets corroded letting the generator run wild if there's not a good electrical path. I know, this happened to me on a trip starting a fire which I was able to put out luckily.
I will only use the heavy duty metallic on/off switch now.

i have also seen those 3.00 green knobers fail

[Jon]

I had one like in #2 post fail. I kept having problems with battery not charging, starter acting funny. Re-built the starter etc. Finally I took the switch off and went back to original and haven't had a bit of problem with electrical since.

[ccb360]

I used the green one also for a while until the main lug broke at the switch. Had similar issues to Jon before it failed....

[Clydes 31 P/U]

Not an alternative but this is my switch and cover. Switch is a keyed Cat master disconnect.

[Bob Bidonde]

No mods of the car are necessary with this switch installation.

[Jerry in Shasta]

I use a Cole-Hersey "ratching solenoid" . It mounts completely under the floor boards, and uses a remote push button switch to activate it.
JB

[Kahuna]

Jerry
Did you mean "Latching Solenoid"?
Where can I find a picture of it?
Thanks
Jim

[Jerry in Shasta]

This will get you started,, there a number different makers.I really like because I hid the activation button, it kind acts as a thief deterrent. $50.00 seems to be the going price. Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions Jerry

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cole-Hersee-...1cdb54&vxp=mtr