Cut power switch on postive or negtive side ?
Cut power switch on postive or negtive side ? car is not driven much (76k in 14 years)
sets so much battery goes down, do use 1 amp charger on battary most of time, would like to add a disconnect switch, my question:
which battary side (+ or -) should the switch disconnect ?
Thanks, Johnny
sets so much battery goes down, do use 1 amp charger on battary most of time, would like to add a disconnect switch, my question:
which battary side (+ or -) should the switch disconnect ?
Thanks, Johnny
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Electrically, it makes no difference. Current will not flow unless the circuit is complete so interrupting either the positive or negative side of the connection will prevent battery drain equally well.
Most of the switches you will find will fit either side but are usually shown in the instructions connected to the positive side. There are some exceptions - a switch sold on Amazon says it is designed for the negative side but will work on either side.
So really the choice is up to you - whatever is the most convenient place to mount.
Most of the switches you will find will fit either side but are usually shown in the instructions connected to the positive side. There are some exceptions - a switch sold on Amazon says it is designed for the negative side but will work on either side.
So really the choice is up to you - whatever is the most convenient place to mount.
Personally i prefer to cut power because if you cut ground there is a possibility of it grounding thru another source such as metal on the car somewhere, if there is no power then you know its completely dead.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Not really. Since the switch would be cutting the connection between the negative battery terminal and the chassis ground connections, the chassis/body is no longer a source of ground and could not cause a short.
