Emergency Battery Cutoff

[knuclebuster]

Im looking for the pros vs. cons on the locations and method of installing an electrical cut off switch that will kill all power from the battery.  I wanted to locate the switch within easy reach, but Im finding that its not as easy as I thought it would be.  I wanted to locate the switch behind the shift stick, but the travel of the drive shaft concerns me.  It looks to me like i would have to move it all the way back, basically under my right elbow to allow enough travel room of the drive shaft not to touch the bottom of the switch assembly that hangs about 2.75" below the mounting sheet metal.  If mounted in this location, I would have to reach over with my left hand which is very difficult to do if im strapped in tight. The next best option i see is in the dash.  If im seated and strapped in tight, I can barely reach the dash.  Any thoughts on locations would be appreciated.

Also, my plan is to use the switch to cut off the ground which should kill everything.  Do you guys have any opinions on whether it is better to cut off the positive or negitive to kill power behined the battery?

KB

[Racinjj]

My switch is mounted behind my left shoulder so that it is within easy reach of the safety crew.  I cut the positive side but I dont think it would matter if you wanted to cut the ground.  I have the same issue with the dash, I have a rubber hose that extends the ignition switch so I can reach it.  I am looking at moving the sitches closer to me this winter so i can turn my fan on and off without loosening my belts.

[justfreaky]

RAC (United Kingdom) rules specify:
2.) An external electrical cut out switch must be positioned
behind the drivers shoulder and clearly marked.

US rules do not specify the location.

I have seen them located on the far right of the dash and also located on the package tray area behind the driver.
Where ever you decide to locate it, make sure it is clearly marked and easily accessable to the safety crew.

Steve

I saw this one mounted on a modlite. I would mount the charging posts behind the switch though.

[thunder938]

This is a very nice cut off, If you crash this will shut of the fuel pump.  To reset just push the top of the switch.  I have installed this in a few cars and works great. but not for complete disconnect..

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecId=87

[JGRacing]

Have you had any issues with the fuel pump shutoff getting tripped by normal on track contact?  Would I have to get a letter from INEX approving this to avoid issues with the local tech inspector?   

[IraceLegends77]

I also like it on the left because if you are laying on your right side they can cut it off. If you are laying on your left side they can just use the main kill switch. It just gives you a way to kill it from either side.

Scott # 77w

[justfreaky]

Posted by CJ5 :

Hey Guys
On my Mod we have to have a cut off switch and it has to be located where the safety crew can get at it. Like Jeff said behind my left shoulder. I also run the negative line through it instead of the positive, I'm no electrician but for some reason they last longer on the negative side (I've used the same cut off for 10 years after changing it over to the negative side). Instead of the expensive charging post (like the ones in the pic) I use rubber valve stems and solder the wire inside the brass neck (take the valve core out), drill a 5/8 hole on the tin and pull it through. You can paint the caps red and black or just use stickers to identify + & -.

Hope this helps
Chris



Sorry Chris!
Things were getting off topic, so I started a new thread.

Steve

[thunder938]

No problems, we have it on a few cars that I race with, pavement, with no problems

[MegaMang]

I've got the same posts on my sedan on the back deck behind my left shoulder.  There is also a safety cutoff switch there.  It's a very positive switch.  Lift and turn.  I can't really reach it myself, but it is easily accessed be safety crews. 

It's never been a problem, no vibration is going to accidentally turn the switch and cut power.

I like the safety factor.  Turn the switch and all power is cut.

Mike

[bback58]

I just had a shutoff switch installed on mine.  Mine can be locked in the off position so when I have my car on display at an event I don't have to remove the battery cables and no kids can crank it up.  I also had the remote jumper posts installed since my car is a sedan, I have a hell of a time getting to the battery. 

[MegaMang]

I like that lockable idea.  Nobody as yet has tried to start the car without my say, but you never know...

Where did you get it?  Part number?  How much?

Mike

[bback58]

Not sure about the part number, etc. - I'm having my dealer install it.   He said they make them with a key to lock it.  When I stopped in the other day they had one without a lock installed and I told him it was supposed to be a keyed one, so I hope that is what I get.   He said he ordered one.   

One day when we had the cars on display for kids day at the zoo, one little kid pushed the starter button - twice.  I told him not to do that and he looked me in the eye and pressed the damn thing again.   I'm not exactly a kid person and I would have liked to give him a good smack alongside the head, but of course,  good old common sense prevailed.  When you have a sedan, taking off the battery cable is a real pain so I'm hoping this will do the trick - and it should.

[JGRacing]

I think that this is the type he is talking about.  The red handle comes off.

http://www.daymotorsports.com/product/1070/ECONOMY-BATTERY-DISCONNECT-SWITCH

[MegaMang]

Thanks!  That's yet another option.

I'm going to check those out this winter.  Not sure if I'll change it, but I can see putting one on my brother's car since he has not cutoff at the moment.

Mike

[justfreaky]

I don't care much for the plastic ones. Saferacer has the Longacre switch, both 2 and 4 terminal.
http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-parts/?cat=58

Steve