Battery cut off switch
I just bought one like the one in the picture below. Should I install it on the positive terminal or the negative and why? I run two 12V group 27s in parallel.
Forum Discussion
Electrically, it doesn't matter where you put the switch - pos side or neg side. I once considered putting the switch between my 6 volt batteries because the mounting and placement would have made it much easier.
Safety wise, there is a great deal of sense in putting it on the negative, as it is desirable to minimize the amount of exposed metal connected to the pos side. If the installation is done properly I prefer the pos side, as that is the place most people expect it, but if I was selling a cheap switch like this, and I knew many customers would do a poor installation job, and I knew that many of them would not properly prevent inadvertent shorting out by building an insulating shield, I'd probably recommend installation in the negative side.
Safety wise, there is a great deal of sense in putting it on the negative, as it is desirable to minimize the amount of exposed metal connected to the pos side. If the installation is done properly I prefer the pos side, as that is the place most people expect it, but if I was selling a cheap switch like this, and I knew many customers would do a poor installation job, and I knew that many of them would not properly prevent inadvertent shorting out by building an insulating shield, I'd probably recommend installation in the negative side.
