Battery isolator/cut out

[paulhyder]

I have just read Peter Seabrook-Harris article in the latest Pitstop, \'Fire Alert\'. Ever since Lee\'s misfortune the other year I have carried a fire extinguisher and was thinking about a switch. If Peter or anyone else who has fitted one can offer advice as to what type and where to place it?Can it be fitted in the cockpit or does it need to be near the battery. Any advice would be greatfully received

[h_m_cumming]

Re: Battery isolator/cut out

Hi Paul, I also made a mod. after Lee\'s mishap and fitted a fuel cutoff inertia switch on my Roadster which has an electric pump fitted at the tank. I got an Escort one off eBay and fitted it in the feed to the pump just after the fusebox on the engine bulkhead. It\'s in the middle of this pic with the red button if the pic comes out, not sure if the fault has been sorted with the forum yet, here goes.

[h_m_cumming]

Re: Battery isolator/cut out

Obviously not.Sue!!!!

[austinm]

Re: Battery isolator/cut out

Hi Paul,
I fitted a battery cut off switch to my roadster.
It is fitted on the glass fibre bulkhead under the windscreen in the engine compartment.
I drilled a hole through the bulkhead for the switch to protrude through under and behind the dash alongside the steering column.The terminals for the switch are under the bonnet and the positive lead from the battery is taken through the switch and all power to the car is picked up on the secondary part of the switch.
You can take the key with you if you leave the car anywhere.
If you turn the key off in an emergency when driving, it will kill the power to the car but unlike the ignition key will not activate the steering lock.(If you still have one fitted)
I also use it when the car is garaged as it helps prevent battery drain when the car is not in use.
You could attach a short cord to the switch with a pull on the end to make it easy to operate in an emergency.
Hope all that makes sense to you.
Not able to post a photograph.

Regards Austin

[stevejgreen]

Re: Battery isolator/cut out

A word of caution.
The battery is an integral part of the alternator/charging circuit.
Never disconnect a battery whilst the engine is running as it may cause damage to the diodes within the alternator or it may cause a voltage spike that can destroy ECU\'s and modern electronics.

[ggrum]

Re: Battery isolator/cut out

Hi Paul,
Also got a battery cut-off switch with removable handle mounted under the dash. As Austin says, as well as a safety feature it also helps security and prevents battery drain when stored in the garage for weeks on end. Welcome to have a look next club night.
Cheers
Geoff