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Battery Disconnect

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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 01:33 PM
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Default Battery Disconnect


As I’ve worked on my car, I’ve found myself constantly disconnecting the battery. So I finally ordered a battery disconnect switch and had a question regarding placement. There seems to be some debate on whether to place the switch on the positive or negative side of the battery. I’d love some of the members’ thoughts on this. Thanks.

Here is the one I ordered. It’s made by GAMA and is American made. Would the splice type be preferred?

Last edited by Jeff2761; Mar 6, 2025 at 03:28 PM. Reason: Photo Added
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 02:03 PM
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I did a search, and it says usually put it on the negative side due to less sparking occurs.

Maybe someone else has anything to offer
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by righthanddrive
I did a search, and it says usually put it on the negative side due to less sparking occurs.

Maybe someone else has anything to offer
Negative. I mean, affirmative. Negative terminal is the correct answer.
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 02:21 PM
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Near the battery on the Ground Line is Correct. Just be ware that some of the disconnects "make/break" connections really fast when opening or closing, like one that is being screwed down on the top of the switch. A lot of electronics don't like this and it can cause them to fail. It is better when you make a clean "On" and "OFF" action. when switching power.

I switched my C3 over to a Marine (grade) Circuit Breaker which is easy to turn ON and OFF and you can buy one rated for the size you need online now days. The one I have is water resistant and not water proof but I have it near my battery so you would have to know it is there.

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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 02:24 PM
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I put mine on the negative side. Seems safer to keep the positive side covered in case of a discharge or accident.




Last edited by Redvette2; Mar 6, 2025 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Better picture.
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 04:29 PM
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Positive + side...
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 09:04 PM
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Negative side.


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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 05:57 AM
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Mines on the negative side. No problems here
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 09:31 AM
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All mine are on the negative side
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff2761

Here is the one I ordered. It’s made by GAMA and is American made. Would the splice type be preferred?
I would recommend you get the knife style of disconnect as so many show above. They are much easier and quicker to engage/disengage, especially for the location of our batteries. I used the **** style like you show for years but last summer put in a knife style and wouldn't go back. Mine is mounted on the side post of the negative and stands upright in the compartment. Very easy operate so that I am less lazy about using it.
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by 67:72
I would recommend you get the knife style of disconnect as so many show above. They are much easier and quicker to engage/disengage, especially for the location of our batteries. I used the **** style like you show for years but last summer put in a knife style and wouldn't go back. Mine is mounted on the side post of the negative and stands upright in the compartment. Very easy operate so that I am less lazy about using it.
I agree....first put one of the **** ones on and had some contact issues when I tightened it too much. Knife version is much easier to use and I sleep better at night with the cars 57 year old wiring disconnected.
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