Battery Disconnect Switch

[1975SPORT]

Just curious,
Most of these switches are rated from 100-300 amps depending on how much you wanna spend. Is that enough to run a winch, auxilliary lights, stereo etc...also it looks pretty simple stupid on the installation has anyone done this whats your experience with it and would you run these custom power drains with it.

thanks

 

[SaddleUp]

I use a heavy duty marine switch and have never had any problems with it. The switch has 4 positions. Battery 1, 2, both, and off.

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

My thoughts are get a heavy rating like 300amps, and make sure it is a manual switch. Electronic ones fail and they also add an extra load to your system. If you absolutely want electronic get a latching solenoid. You apply power and it turns on, apply power again to turn it off.
most of the ratings are for making and breaking power. i.e. the switch that is rate 300amps means you can turn a load of 300 amp on or off with it. That is different than turning it on with no load, and then running 300amps through it. A 300amp switch that is on, will typically handle the 600+amps your starter draws.

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

I use a heavy duty marine switch and have never had any problems with it. The switch has 4 positions. Battery 1, 2, both, and off.

Just dont change batteries while the engine is running.

 

[TonyPDX]

It is fine to switch batteries with the engine running. Just don't switch through the OFF position.
Nearly all heavy duty trucks come with a battery disconnect switch that will cut the power to everything but the starter so you should be just fine with your loads.

Tony

 

[SaddleUp]

Just dont change batteries while the engine is running.

I believe mine is one of the ones that can be switched without cutting power between the positions. Not that I believe it matter now anyway. I think i've fried one of the diodes in the alternator already from an earlier loose connection. (Related to that &^%# megafuse I use to have in there) It still charges but I don't think it's putting out the amperage it should be. I may be getting ahold of you down the road to replace it unless I get a bug and decide to build up a Delco unit. (I use to have an account at AC Delco to get the parts so I may see if it is still good)

 

[Tom Dummer]

Tony is so right. Just leave your normal battery cable to the starter there, then run everything else through the switch and you are fine. go to www.Colehersee.com and search for Battery Disconnect and they list several that will work fine for anyting you have on a Bronco. Hell, I use those for wiring Fire Engines.

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

It is fine to switch batteries with the engine running. Just don't switch through the OFF position.
Nearly all heavy duty trucks come with a battery disconnect switch that will cut the power to everything but the starter so you should be just fine with your loads.

Tony

If the switch keeps connect with one battery at all times it would be alright. If it is disconnected from all batteries for a fraction of second, then it is not a good idea and very hard on the diodes in the alternator. Basically the same thing as removing the positive cable of a single battery system.
Also as vehicles, and boats, start seeing more safisicated equipment, the little sparks created from switching batteries will become deadly to computers.

Cole Hersee is the best name in mass produced solenoids. There are some better, but they are like 3 times the price for only a little bit better product.

Still dont like the idea of electric battery connects and disconnects. More load in your system, and if they fail you have damage to the alternator.