Battery shutoff switch voltage

[zoegrant]

Are the metal "battery shut switches "that turn like a key voltage specific ??
The ones I see listed state that they are for 12 volts...My 36 is 6 volt...

[corvette8n]

The 12 volt ones tend to have smaller less robust terminals, I bought a heavy knife switch to mount on my battery for my 6 volt system.

[adileo]

I use this and it works fine (6 volt pos grds) Don’t use cheap green ones, I melted one

Just make sure it handles high amps
2A804723-C035-4BF7-A403-32357D5BDA31.jpg

[big job]

You need a commercial switch that does'nt care up to 24Vts Those with a key are light
duty Napa big truck switch has big contacts. Back in the day we use to remove a batt
cable replace with a plastic look like terminal end dummy-- for crooks only...
Think this way anybody to steal a model T is a man who owns one right;;;......

[Fordestes]

I have used the ones like Adileo has pictured , mine are made by Cole Hersee, for heavy trucks, the switches I use are good for 1000 amps, after 20 plus years mine are still doing a good job , I pay less than 30 dollars each, Flaming river offered one for around 100 dollars , not necessary for what I do. I also use the earth ground for switching. M

[zoegrant]

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adileo........what make is your switch and what is the amp load and finally, where did you get it ???????? thanks

[Drbrown]

I installed a 12 volt Heavy Duty 4-terminal Cole Hersee Master Switch thru my firewall using an existing hole. Two heavy duty terminals are provided for the battery cables and two other smaller terminals are used for my alternator output (could be for a generator) which disconnects output to prevent possible run-on if ignition switch fail.

Photo of engine side of firewall shows batt cable/Alt wire connections; Other photo shows inside of car - firewall near heater - where on-off turn knob is inconspicuously located.

Locating the on-off knob inside is very convenient; no opening and closing of car hood. I use covers on battery cable terminals to prevent accidental shorts when swinging a wrench around the engine compartment.

[russcc]

I have used the described Cole Hersee switch in many cars, it's heavy duty, as stated, voltage is not an issue. Do a search on Google and you will find the best price. Brillman has them, claims they are old stock made in USA. They are now made in Mexico. It is an excellent switch. I mount mine near the battery on ground/negative side. No ground, no circuit. A friend of mine recently had a fire in his shop when his son's bike caught on fire from some electrical gremlin. Caused extensive damage to the shop, but the cars were ok. Don't leave the car without a battery switch, off.

[Mike51Merc]

When it comes to switches, its the amps not the volts that matters. A switch on a battery cable needs to withstand the same current that the battery cables do, otherwise the contacts will melt when you try to start the car.

[Adam/Mill Valley CA]

I also used the Cole-Hersee switch in my '36, mounted poking through the floor board near the seat riser (battery in stock location under th floor board). That and changing the battery ground cable to heavy duty 2/0 gauge made a huge difference-with an Optima 6v battery, the truck will start almost before you can get your foot off the starter button.Stay away from the green knob-type disconnects, totally inadequate!

Adam

[adileo]

Originally Posted by zoegrant

adileo........what make is your switch and what is the amp load and finally, where did you get it ???????? thanks

Cole Hersee - 750 Amps - eBay

[Drbrown]

A Forum Member asked about the Master Switch shown in my post above. I was mistaken about it being a Cole Hersee unit and want to correct that info. Here is my PM reply to the Member.

"I looked at Cole Hersee and many others on-line but finally selected a "Pollak PER-031 Battery & Alternator Master Disconnect Lever Style Kill Switch 4 Post. It cost $30 w/free shipping and I bought it via eBay - Performance Dynamics Automotive Inc. a/k/a getfast1.com (804) 427-8962 in Mechanicsville VA. I bought the vinyl battery and terminal protective caps at my local Advanced Auto store.

The switch has been in use fours years. Whenever I am working on electrical system I just reach inside the car and turn the system off. Sometimes I have a senior moment, get in the car and wonder why nothing works !

[russcc]

Wondering why the car won't start with the switch off is not confined to just seniors as I can attest.

[zoegrant]

Thanks for all the great info....I think I will go with a Cole Hersey switch..thanks again to everyone....