Cutoff switch +or--

[wmws]

I am confused. I want to install a cut off switch. In Bill Lee's article he said it MUST be in the ground wire. My question is why. Would not it work in either wire to the battery. If it make a difference I have a separate or second ground strap from the bell housing to the frame. Thanks for any help.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Between the battery post and ground connection is the best, but either way will work.
On the ground is best because then everything is dead when the switch is off.
If you put it on the hot post, then the cable to the switch is always subject to shorting to ground.
On the ground side, with the switch OFF, the worst you can have is a ground to ground short.

[Jim M]

I have a cut off switch in my wire that goes to the starter. It basicly is a theft deterrent but there is still current going to the car if you have positive ground. If everything is working correctly and there are not shorts or bear wires anywhere the cut off prevents any drain (if you forget to turn your lights off, etc). The only way to prevent the chassis from having any live power to it is to put the cut off in the ground wire. This is what an "Old Timer" once told me. Hope this helps.

[wmws]

Thanks Tom and Jim. Your point Tom about the ground wire just shorting to ground was a good one.

[1931 flamingo]

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Buy a quality cut off switch, NOT the one with the green knob. FWIW JMO
Paul in CT