How to Wire a 12 Volt Battery Switch
The most common use for a 12-volt battery switch is a cutoff type that disconnects the 12-volt battery from the electrical circuit. These switches are ideal for marine applications, when a boat goes into storage after boating season, or for long-term car parking situations, when a car will be left parked for some time, like at an airport or when going on a cruise. There is now no need to remove the battery--simply flip the switch, and the battery will be out of the circuit to remain charged and fresh until it is needed again.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Automotive Application
-
1
Open the vehicle hood and remove the positive cable from the battery with a wrench.
-
2
Slide the 12-volt automotive switch directly onto the battery post, and tighten the attachment nut with the wrench.
-
-
3
Slide the positive battery cable onto the switch post terminal and tighten it. When the switch is flipped to the "off" position, the battery electrical flow will be interrupted, and the electrical accessories in the vehicle--including the starter and the lights--will no longer function. Flip the switch to the "on" position to put the battery back into the electrical circuit, and allow all electrical accessories to work normally.
Marine Application
-
4
Locate and cut the positive battery cable at the point you want the switch to be located. In many cases, the best place to mount a battery switch will be near the throttle and steering controls, for the convenience of the boat operator.
-
5
Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation off of both ends of the cut wire with wire strippers.
-
6
Attach one side of the stripped battery cable to one side of the switch. Wrap the wire around the switch post terminal and tighten the connecting nut down firmly. Some switches will have labels to instruct you which side of the switch the cable should attach to; although for the simplest of switches, it will not matter.
-
7
Attach the other end of the stripped battery cable to the other side of the switch. Tighten the attachment nut down firmly.
-
8
Mount the switch, if applicable.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dead battery image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
