Battery disconnect switch reason
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Battery disconnect switch reason
Given the C4 fire and the number of pposts concerning this topic, I need a little clarification. I have never used a battery disconnet on ANY of my vehicles over the years, including other muscle cars, my daily drivers, my motorcycle (driven once every week or 2). My uncle, with a stable of cars (63 vette, 69 camaro, Model A ford, 55 pick up) doesn't use them either. We DO disconnect / remove the battery if the vehicle will set for several weeks or more, but that is as much as to deter battery drain, not electrical fires.
So given the lack of likelihood of an electrical fire, why such great concern?
So given the lack of likelihood of an electrical fire, why such great concern?
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (wireless guy)
I know not what reason others may have, but I have a drain, lots of Bubbasized electricals and it is stored in a friends garage til it gets finished... :smash:
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,601
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (Stevo)
For me it's just peace of mind. If it's disconnected, the horn can't short circuit, no fires, etc. Stumbling around at 2am for the right wrench to disconnect the battery cause the horn shorted isn't fun. With a switch, it's just a turn of the ****. With 27 year old wiring, things are bound to happen. The quick disconnect just makes it easier on me to disconnect it if i'm in a rush.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (wireless guy)
So given the lack of likelihood of an electrical fire, why such great concern?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (MNJack)
I don't deny that it is not possible and that I have been "lucky", especially when 30+ year old cars are concerned. I personally am more concerned with another issue: I NEVER park a car with a full tank of gas in the garage given that the heat I see here in a closed garaged can create a hazard if the tank were not properly vented and wanted some views on the subject. (my garage is under my son's room)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (wireless guy)
I have to agree with peace of mind. If the battery is disconnected the chances of something bad happening go from unlikely to nearly impossible. Given the amount of bubba wireing I saw when I took apart much of my interior I worry any time my battery is connected. :(
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (Ganey)
Let's not forget that an electrical fire is not the only kind of fire that can occur. These cars aren't getting any younger, so consider adding one of these to your car also - you just might save a life.
And there's a forum member that can get you connected with one of these if you're interested.
And there's a forum member that can get you connected with one of these if you're interested.
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Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (wireless guy)
I have a battery cut-off switch for two reasons.........(1) no fires are possible......(2) it's just that much tougher for someone to steal it. They both give me peace of mind and where can ya get that for under $20? :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 169
From: PA
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (mayberg)
I put one on mine so there is not a chance of fire and it makes it easy to work on elect. things on the car. Just turn the **** and the elect is off. You can never be to safe. But for the guy that has no gas in this car when he puts it a way the empty tank the fumes may be worst then the gas in the tank and you can build up water in a tank if you keep empty. IMHO
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (Stephen DeFazio)
The info is greatly apprciated. I will probably add on, as the ability to work on the electrical system raises agood point, and peace of mind helps.
mayberg: Thanks. I always keep on in the truck and already have the one for the vette (safety kit includes a first aid box, fire ext, small pocket knife, small tool set, tire plug set and Fix-A-Flat.
Stephen DeFazio: You are right about an empty tank and thought about my post after shutting the computer down. I tend to keep as close to half a tank as possible, giving room for expansion, but minimizing vapor build up. Thanks for your clarification.
mayberg: Thanks. I always keep on in the truck and already have the one for the vette (safety kit includes a first aid box, fire ext, small pocket knife, small tool set, tire plug set and Fix-A-Flat.
Stephen DeFazio: You are right about an empty tank and thought about my post after shutting the computer down. I tend to keep as close to half a tank as possible, giving room for expansion, but minimizing vapor build up. Thanks for your clarification.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 169
From: PA
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (Roger L. Gibbons)
Roger it cuts off all power but I read there is a buy pass you can buy to let enough for the clock and computer. Have not seen it but it was on one of the car shows as a new thing for cars.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (paul79)
Then there is this thought - if the cut of switch is used to eliminate the possiblity of an electrical fire and would do bypass it for the alarm, radio, clock - doesn't that still allow current to flow and negating the goal of the cut off in the first place? (Or have I worked too hard today to think clearly?)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 169
From: PA
Re: Battery disconnect switch reason (wireless guy)
wireless you have not been working to hard go to this web page and see the ad. I agree that it negates the goal.
Price: $ 9.99
BATTERY SHUTOFF SWITCH WITH INSTRUCT
Item-no 25053
Simple to install and easy to operate, this shut-off switch ensures that everything is disconnected. Attach the switch to either the positive or negative terminal of your battery and the cable to the switch. Then unscrew the **** and take it with you to disable your car and discourage thieves. On computer controlled vehicles from 1982 to present, use the Computer Memory Saver (25036) or Fuse Link (25049) to preserve the computer's settings when the battery is disconnected. The Fuse Link will allow enough currect through to maintain computer, radio settings etc. but will not allow car to be started.
http://www.eastwoodcompany.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe
[Modified by Stephen DeFazio, 9:18 PM 7/8/2002]
Price: $ 9.99
BATTERY SHUTOFF SWITCH WITH INSTRUCT
Item-no 25053
Simple to install and easy to operate, this shut-off switch ensures that everything is disconnected. Attach the switch to either the positive or negative terminal of your battery and the cable to the switch. Then unscrew the **** and take it with you to disable your car and discourage thieves. On computer controlled vehicles from 1982 to present, use the Computer Memory Saver (25036) or Fuse Link (25049) to preserve the computer's settings when the battery is disconnected. The Fuse Link will allow enough currect through to maintain computer, radio settings etc. but will not allow car to be started.
http://www.eastwoodcompany.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe
[Modified by Stephen DeFazio, 9:18 PM 7/8/2002]
