Battery Disconnect Switch
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 1:45pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Battery Disconnect Switch
Posted By: wooleeman
Subject: Battery Disconnect Switch
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 10:35am
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I would like to install a battery disconnect switch on my RP-179. I know how to place it if I install it at the battery box but I would like to install it right inside the door next to the power distribution center. Does anyone know how to identify the 12 volt input wire, if it would be difficult accessing this wire and if there are any drawbacks to this type of installation? Any ideas would be appreciated. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Replies:
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 3:45pm
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Interesting. Following the main 12V cable is not difficult, but I think most of us chose installing near the battery because it is easier. I started a firestorm on another forum on whether to place in the positive or negative side, so I won't rehash that. I take it you want it inside like some motor homes. It needs to go into a battery cable line, not any 12V wire, so you're choices are limited. Simply follow those cables into the power distribution. Good luck. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:05pm
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Thanks Mike. Yes,I wanted to put it inside like the big boys but if it becomes too much trouble I won't bother for now. I know some prefer to do negative, some positive. I guess if I remove the distribution center and look for the main 12 volt input that would be the one. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:35pm
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Disconnect from shore power and remove a battery lead from the battery(ies). Your choice, they both work to kill the circuit. I like "+". Open the door of the power center. Remove the 2 screws that keep the front in place. Lift and remove front. On the right side/half is all the 12v circuits. Note the large 6/8 gauge wire coming from behind and going to the "+ Batt" terminal of the fuse panel. (it's the one attaching at the bottom of the panel) Do not confuse it with the wire coming from the converter. Now, remove the 6-8 screws holding the entire power distribution box in place. Pull it forward/out. Disconnect battery feed wire. Figure out how much run you have in the wire coming from the battery. Drill a hole and mount the switch where you want it within that range, or add to the length if needed. Run a new piece of wire from the other side of the switch back to the "+ Batt" connection on the distribution board. Verify switch operation. Reinstall box and cover. Enjoy celebratory beverage. https://postimg.org/image/c3cx7omot/">  ------------- |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 5:01pm
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Man I enjoy this forum. Thanks so much furpod. Snow is supposed to clear by Tuesday so I'll be unzipping the cover and hooking it up. Hope I'll be toasting you with that beverage. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 9:44am
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Nicely done Furpod! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 2:46pm
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Speaking of power - there is no voltage on the USB charging ports on the wall below the TV in my 2017 178. I bought a tester and it says there is no voltage, confirming the fact that our phones will not charge when plugged into them, and the lightning bolt does not appear in the battery location on the phone home screens. This is true whether on shore, battery or both. I pulled the USB fixture. There is a red and a black wire sealed into the back of that fixture - so I cannot get at them without scraping off the insulation. I checked all the fuses and breakers - all look OK. Does anyone know where those two skinny wires are connected in the distribution box? ------------- Teddy |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 6:06pm
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I have never seen a wiring diagram for a Pod. Maybe Furpod knows different. You can use a ohmmeter and see if there is continuity from ports to distribution panel, but I think you will not see it. You may have to check and see where that wiring goes. I think the USB ports run off 12V, I could be wrong. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 7:31pm
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Hate to say it.. no wiring diagram exists for any pod. The only good thing is nothing is very far apart in a Pod.. TEDDY, you will have to just manually trace the wires. I do not know which USB outlet FR is using now, but you should be able to back probe the connections with a DMM, behind the connector. You can also use a couple needles, and pierce the wires, and then probe them with a DMM if needed. In all honesty, it may be better and easier to just run a new wire. If you have any other plates/connections/hookups in that wall, open them and see if you can then see where the wires feeding the USB plate is cut into the wiring. It is probably a branch circuit, and not wired all the way back to the fuse panel. ------------- |
Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 10:45pm
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Thanks, folks - nothing is easy to see in that wall - there is nothing directly under the USB ports to enable easy tracking without cutting into the wall - frankly, that's a project I'd rather not tackle. Perhaps I'll find an easier way after I have cogitated a while, and it's warmer! ------------- Teddy |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 7:23am
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Guess someone has to ask.. Teddy, have you double checked your meter?
From experience mind ya, when I don't get a reading I expect, I double check I'm set right on the DMM then check a known of same power source. Also, your looking for only 5v DC at the USB port. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 9:00am
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Since I am electrically dumb. If you install a battery disconnect switch what service does it perform? When would you use it? ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 9:11am
If you store your Pod somewhere you can't plug in, the batteries will be dead in a very short time, due to phantom draws.. so this saves your battery. There are other reasons a owner may want one, but that's the main reason. ------------- |
Posted By: ChetC
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 1:34pm
According to the NHRA Sanctioning body, battery cutoff switches should be installed on the positive side of the battery, which settles the debate for me. From their rule book... 8.4 MASTER CUTOFF ...This cutoff switch must be connected to the positive side of the electrical system and must stop all electrical functions... ------------- Former 2017 rPod 180 owner Now in a 2019 Little Guy MAX Full timer who logs more than 35,000 miles per year. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 4:13pm
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+1 ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:51pm
I completely agree, but electrically it makes no difference. The NHRA has other requirements about a cutoff switch, but I think their main concern with having it on the positive side is for uniformity. In the case of an accident with leaking gasoline and a possibly injured or unconscious driver, you want to know where the switch is. There's a lot to be said for uniformity even though it's your own private electrical system that maybe no one else will ever fool with. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 7:06am
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If ever in doubt of which side to tie into DPDT. Removes all doubt.
MHO on the matter. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 1:37pm
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Despite what NHRA says, I was always taught connect positive first, then negative; disconnect negative first, then positive. That is why my disconnect is on the negative side. I don't think I will be racing my 'Pod, so I will stick with the old standard.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 3:26pm
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I don't have a disconnect switch on my Pod so I haven't had to make this decision for myself. It seems like NHRA rules are dealt with by generally competent mechanics, which may be a factor in choosing to switch the positive side. I don't really know, but I suspect they tend to use specialized, fused switches that may have a lot more spark protection than a cheap RV cutoff switch. For amateurs, using a cheap knife blade cutoff switch, I think putting the switch on the negative side is probably the best way to go. Those switches are almost pure metal conductive surface that greatly increases the possibility of an accidental short circuit. There are slightly more expensive switches that have no metal exposed that should probably be used if one insists on putting the switch on the + side. They tend to be a little more effort to install too. Electrically, it makes no difference. A good switch, competently installed will work on either side. For a casual installation, especially of a knife blade switch, the negative side is the way to go. Yes, I'm pretty much switching my answer!  TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 3:32pm
The real answer depends on the reason. Also why I say, if in doubt DPDT. No chance on any feedback of power both sides are dis-connected. I bought my transfer switch for the house because it is a DPDT. No possibility of any feedback to the folks working the lines out there trying to get me grid power back. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 3:45pm
All transfer switches have to be double pole. Modern house services are double pole so anything less would not meet electrical code. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 4:07pm
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My battery disconnect on the Pod is on the negative terminal, easy install and effectively disconnects batt. Mounted next to battery on trailer tongue. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Podizzi
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 7:48pm
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My disconnect is on negative side also and it works perfectly. ------------- Podizzi 2017 rpod 179 2016 Toyota Sequoia Phoenix, AZ |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2017 at 9:39am
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Special thanks to Furpod. Installed the disconnect switch on Thursday. I wish I could have placed it next to the distribution box but too much supporting framework in the wall. Decided on the adjacent wall under the thermostat and level meters. Finished, tested, disconnected battery, zipped up cover, and had a beverage while toasting Furpod. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: wthoms2000
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2018 at 10:29am
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BATTERY CUT OFF SWITCH
Used the white ground wires, no shorting if wire ends accidently touch the frame: Link: http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4500 - http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4500 Mounted the weather proof electrical box on the tongue near the batteries for shortest wires: Link: http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4499 - http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4499 The cover has one screw to allow the cover to pivot away A bungee holes the cover closed but allow quick aceess: Link: http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4501 - http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=786&pictureid=4501 The visible wires are the emergency breakaway cable, not electrical... Box from homedepot: Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/12-in-x-12-in-x-6-in-Junction-Box-R5133713/202043349 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/12-in-x-12-in-x-6-in-Junction-Box-R5133713/202043349 Used the ears to hold the bungee in place. Enjoy! ------------- Porta Poddy Wil and Luz, Orange County, CA 2017.5 179 HRE 2021 Ranger XLT FX4 REDARC Brake Controller |