How to Wire a Battery Kill Switch
A battery wired into an electrical circuit will provide current until the battery is drained of its useful charge. However, there are occasions when bypassing the battery is useful--as a safety measure or to completely cut power to "vampire appliances" that draw power even when turned off. Instead of pulling the battery, installing a kill switch is a safe and easy solution. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Identify the wire that leads away from the battery's positive terminal. Ensure that the wire is not connected to the battery, as a safety precaution.
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Cut the wire in a convenient place between the positive terminal and the first gate of the circuit (i.e., the first device that draws or re-distributes the battery's current).
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Strip 1/4 inch of sheathing from the wire on both sides of the cut, using the wire strippers. Bare metal should remain.
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With the switch in the off (or "open") position, wire the battery to the switch. On a simple switch, the bare wire connects to opposite sides of the switch by screwing the exposed wire on a conductive metal pole.
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Re-connect the battery. Use the voltmeter to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged.
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Close the circuit by moving the switch to the "on" or "closed" position.
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Turn on a device within the battery's circuit to ensure that current is flowing through the switch properly. Use the voltmeter to check that the voltage has not dropped on the far side of the new kill switch.
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Secure the switch to its final position, as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Never attempt to modify an electrical system while an active power source is still connected to the circuit. Be aware that home modifications to most electrical devices will void the device's warranty. Do not use a kill switch to disable important equipment like smoke detectors or alarm systems. Install a surge protector on any delicate electronics connected to a circuit with a do-it-yourself battery kill switch, to avoid damage from voltage spikes.
Make sure the switch is rated to withstand the amount of current it is intended to govern. Some switches that contain plastic housings can melt or cause a fire if the metal heats too much from having too much current pass through it. When in doubt, seek the assistance of a licensed electrician.
