electrical disconnect

[Ian McK]

I want to disconnect my RV battery (while leaving the vehicle battery connected) thru the winter or other long periods of time, so that any trickle discharge will not occur.  I purchased a simple disconnect switch, which the instructions say to put it on the negative post.  I get that this would work, but Is there any reason why it could not go on the positive post?

 

[abnorm]

WHY ?.......simple switch.......maybe mechanical/size

Standard Auto batteries usually have a larger diameter Positive post......

Does your switch bolt to a small post ?

 

[Scott3569]

From what I am learning, the type of switch you are talking about is very similar to an accessory rocker panel switch with two prongs.. and in this case NO it does not matter, you can use the Negative side or the positive side..

But if you are in an RV does that system not have a battery solenoid between the starter and the house battery????

That would be your smartest way to go IMHO.

But you might want to hear from others..

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

It technically would work, but there could be some scenarios where it wouldn't. Is this disconnect a battery post disconnect or an isolated mounted disconnect switch? Ones that mount to battery post are sized to go on negative post, as it is different size than the positive post. Any other kind of disconnect I don't think it would matter as long as it's isolated/insulated.

 

[wayne49]

Do you have a link to that switch?

 

[tx2sturgis]

It will work on either post, assuming the clamp on the switch will fit either post, but it is considered a bit safer (electrically) to disconnect the negative terminal when working around vehicle batteries, since wires can get knocked, wrenches dropped, prop-rods falling, metal clamps moved, etc. 

It's just a bit safer but either way will disconnect the battery.

 

[Ian McK]

Thanks for that info, very helpful. It is a simple switch which attaches to the screw-terminal on the battery front, not the post on top, so size is not an issue.
I do have the solenoid inbetween the engine and cabin batteries, so obviously the switch would have to be closed for the battery to charge when the engine is running. I am more concerned about long periods of time when the vehicle is unused i.e. winter. The simples solution would be to disconnect the battery altogether.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

If you're using the battery mounted disconnects, I would just use common sense in regards to safety. Those disconnects are large with possible uninsulated metal built into it. Might be safer to put on the negative side so you'd have less of a chance of something shorting out.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I don't have a switch.  I just pull the fuse coming off the positive terminal to disconnect the battery.