Simple On/Off Switch

[burlesot]

All,
I realize my question is elementary, but I appreciate the advice I've gotten here and am sure that you all won't mind me asking this question. I would like to put in a simple, On/Off battery switch to my system. Can you help me decide what size/type to use?

Background: I have a 12 volt system; 6 circuit fuse/panel. Only four of the circuits are being used at this time.

Do I need an on/off switch for the battery?

If so, is there a 'standard' gauge/size? I took a venture to the Marine store and the only switches I saw there were super heavy duty.

Thanks in advance.

Todd

[bdosborn]

You don't necessarily need an on/off switch for the battery, these are more important for big RVs that have a lot of vampire loads that need to be disconnected during storage. The switch can be a handy way to make sure the battery is disconnected from any circuit you might forget and leave on. I put one in the teardrop and never used it so I left it out of the Boxcar.

You *do* need a fuse to protect the wiring to the battery, the closer to the battery terminals the better.

Bruce

[bobhenry]

I went looking for just such an animal and went into advance auto parts and found a 30 amp breaker with a manual disconnect. It's about as big as a pack of cigarettes and about 1 1/4 tall. I'll look for my fuzzy picture.

Here it is on the left.

The little red dot center left is a flip lever to disconnect the battery completely protecting it from accidental drain down.
Seem to remember it being in the 10 - 12 dollar range .

[burlesot]

Got it.

Sounds like I don't NEED one, but do NEED a fuse inline. Will add an inline fuse and not a main on/off switch. I have a simple connect/disconnect that I use to connect/disconnect the teardrop to the battery.


Thank you,
Todd

[halfdome, Danny]

This is the simplest and cheapest way to go.
Goes on the negative battery post.
Available at Walmart in the $7 range.
Danny

[burlesot]

I even understand how this one works! Simple and cheap!

Thanks,
Todd

[GuitarPhotog]

I use one of these battery disconnect switches from West Marine.

http://tinyurl.com/ctjg4tz

I like the idea of being able to disconnect the battery from everything with one switch, rather than with a wrench.

<Chas>

[H.A.]

Got it.

Sounds like I don't NEED one, but do NEED a fuse inline. Will add an inline fuse and not a main on/off switch. I have a simple connect/disconnect that I use to connect/disconnect the teardrop to the battery

The KISS method is to fit a fuse, Just remove the fuse instead of installing a switch also. Consider a switch would be another potential failure point.

Of course I am beyond following my own advice where everything is circuitbreaker protected along with other goofy stuff a series parallel switch set-up to provide higher voltage for charging the truck from my solar rack if needed...

[alaska teardrop]

The black rectangle (above the positive battery post) with 8 ga. wire leading from the battery to the fuse box is a fuse holder from NAPA with a 30 amp fuse. As previously said, simply pull the fuse to disconnect.

Fred

[GuitarPhotog]

It's easier to turn off a switch then pull a fuse, and then keep track of it, and replace it when I need power.

Just turn the switch. On or Off. Like a beer tap, on or off ;-)


<Chas>

[Dale M.]

If you have to turn off beer tap..... Drink faster.....

A switch is more convenient.....

Dale

[burlesot]

Danny,
Found one at my new favorite store: Harbor Freight. For $5

[halfdome, Danny]

Danny,
Found one at my new favorite store: Harbor Freight. For $5

Good deal.
I'll have to remember to get them there & save a couple bucks.
Danny