Battery Switch to be installed

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   I just received my battery switch ( 
HELLA 002843011 2843 Series 50A Rating Battery Master Switch ) in the mail and I'm getting ready to install it.   My situation is unique because my battery is in a white plastic (vented) container, enclosed in a 6 foot-wide metal tool box that is installed across the tongue of my Pod ... done by prev owner. 

But here's the question(s). I need to extend the white (ground) wire about 12 " and it appears to be 6 AWG.  I purchased some white 6 AWG wire and an aluminum connection block (rated for 4-6 AWG).  I'd like to connect two stripped wires to this block, each side with a screw down in the block.   

Q1: Is it normal to have 6 AWG battery wires?

Q2: Since it's ground, do I need to cover/tape this small block? Just let it hang in the box?

Q3: I want to install the switch on the plastic battery box (with the switch handle on the outside, connections inside).  It's a sealed switch so no chance of spark?  Does this sound reasonable?

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Bill-GA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Cumming, GA Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Topic: Battery Switch to be installed Posted: 22 May 2012 at 10:42am
	I just received my battery switch ( HELLA 002843011 2843 Series 50A Rating Battery Master Switch ) in the mail and I'm getting ready to install it. My situation is unique because my battery is in a white plastic (vented) container, enclosed in a 6 foot-wide metal tool box that is installed across the tongue of my Pod ... done by prev owner. But here's the question(s). I need to extend the white (ground) wire about 12 " and it appears to be 6 AWG. I purchased some white 6 AWG wire and an aluminum connection block (rated for 4-6 AWG). I'd like to connect two stripped wires to this block, each side with a screw down in the block. Q1: Is it normal to have 6 AWG battery wires? Q2: Since it's ground, do I need to cover/tape this small block? Just let it hang in the box? Q3: I want to install the switch on the plastic battery box (with the switch handle on the outside, connections inside). It's a sealed switch so no chance of spark? Does this sound reasonable?
	Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV

Seanl Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633	Posted: 22 May 2012 at 2:53pm
	Hi, Bill-GA Others may have other anwers but here is what I think "Q1: Is it normal to have 6 AWG battery wires?" I think mine are only 8 AWG but heavier is not bad especially if you are adding length. at 12 volts 6 AWG will carry 200 amps over 10 feet. Also since you are going to loose some current capacity with the connection block again not bad to have extra. Is the the hot wire 6 AWG as well? "Q2: Since it's ground, do I need to cover/tape this small block? Just let it hang in the box?" No you do not need to cover it but there are a couple of things that you should consider. Since the copper wire and the aluminum block are dissimilar metals you have to keep the connection clean and dry. If salt water or any other electrolite, even the acid from you battery, got into the connection the connection would corrode so I would seal it up. Also if the block ever came in contact the the hot terminal you would have a short. "Q3: I want to install the switch on the plastic battery box (with the switch handle on the outside, connections inside). It's a sealed switch so no chance of spark? Does this sound reasonable?" I don't think there is any issue with this as long as nothing can coming in contact with the terminals inside the box to short it out. Sean

Bill-GA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Cumming, GA Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Posted: 22 May 2012 at 4:44pm
	Hi Sean, thanks for your comments ... In regard to your questions: Is the the hot wire 6 AWG as well? Resp.: YES If salt water or any other electrolite, even the acid from you battery, got into the connection the connection would corrode so I would seal it up..... Resp.: I bought a spray can of CRC 2-26 elec. grade lubricant (per advice from Home Depot guy) and will seal connections /wires with spray. I want to keep block open to be able to tighten block screws if needed. I may tape it if it feels really secure. Also if the block ever came in contact the the hot terminal you would have a short. Resp.: it will be on the opposite side of the hot post and outside the box so I think I'm OK. ... as long as nothing can coming in contact with the terminals inside the box to short it out. Resp.: Switch will be on the ground side so I'm OK. Thanks again ... 2 heads are better than 1 !
	Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV

Seanl Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633	Posted: 22 May 2012 at 6:47pm


Seanl Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633	Posted: 22 May 2012 at 6:50pm
	sorry for the blank reply. Looks like you have it all in hand.