2 best automotive replacement battery switches

Automotive replacement battery switches, often referred to as battery disconnect switches or cutoff switches, are essential components used to control the electrical power supply to a vehicle's battery. They serve several important functions in automotive applications:

  1. Electrical Isolation: One of the primary functions of a battery switch is to disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle's battery and the rest of the electrical system. This is crucial for various purposes, such as preventing battery drain when the vehicle is not in use for extended periods, reducing the risk of electrical fires during maintenance, and enhancing vehicle security.

  2. Battery Preservation: Battery disconnect switches are often used in vehicles that are stored for long periods, such as classic cars or recreational vehicles (RVs). By disconnecting the battery, these switches help preserve the battery's charge and lifespan.

  3. Safety during Maintenance: When working on a vehicle's electrical system or performing maintenance tasks that involve electrical components, disconnecting the battery can enhance safety by preventing accidental electrical shorts or sparks.

  4. Anti-Theft Protection: Some battery disconnect switches are designed as anti-theft devices. By disabling the vehicle's electrical system, these switches can deter theft and make it more challenging for thieves to start the engine.

  5. Emergency Shut-Off: Battery switches can serve as emergency shut-off devices in the event of an electrical malfunction or fire. Quickly disconnecting the battery can help prevent further damage or mitigate safety hazards.

  6. Types of Battery Switches:

    • Manual Switches: These switches require manual operation to disconnect or reconnect the battery. They typically feature a knob or lever that can be turned to the "off" position to disconnect power.
    • Remote-Controlled Switches: Some advanced battery disconnect switches can be operated remotely, often via a key fob or smartphone app. This is convenient for disabling the battery from a distance.
    • Battery Kill Switches: Battery kill switches are designed to completely cut off power from the battery, rendering the vehicle inoperable. They are often used in racing or high-security applications.

  7. Installation: Automotive replacement battery switches can be installed directly onto the battery's terminal or integrated into the vehicle's electrical system. Proper installation is essential to ensure that the switch functions as intended.

  8. Legal Requirements: In some regions or for specific types of vehicles, battery disconnect switches may be required for safety or regulatory compliance. It's important to check local laws and regulations regarding their use.

  9. Maintenance: Battery switches, like all electrical components, may require occasional maintenance to ensure they function correctly.This includes checking for loose connections and ensuring that the switch operates smoothly.

In summary, automotive replacement battery switches are essential components that provide control over the electrical power supply to a vehicle's battery. They serve various purposes, including battery preservation, safety during maintenance, anti-theft protection, and emergency shut-off. The type of switch chosen and its installation should be based on the specific needs and requirements of the vehicle and its owner.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best automotive replacement battery switches on the market
  

Fastronix 2 Post High Current Master Battery Disconnect Switch with Face Plate

Fastronix Solutions

Based on 738 reviews Check latest price
  • Rated to 180A Continuous or 1000A Intermittent
  • Mounts in 3/4" Hole
  • Provides Single Power Cut off to Entire Electrical System
  • Required for NHRA Competition When Battery is Relocated
  • Works Great As a Power Disconnect for RV's When Not in Use

User questions & answers

Question: I am looking for a kill switch for the truck portion of our motorhome. How far away from the battery can the switch be mounted
Answer: Variable speed = Trigger. "Would this work?" = Probably, however, the correct answer is that I can't really tell you based solely on the thickness of the material. Two other variable exist: the size of the hole and the quality of your bits. Most drills and bits out there can do (1) 3/8" thick hole through annealed high carbon steel, however, if you use cheap bits, and/or the wrong amount of pressure/speed, that bit won't drill another hole. I give that size hole simply because of the chuck size. If you get bits with a smaller shank and larger bore size you can do larger holes.
Question: What is the terminal diameter
Answer: You MAY NOT use this device with 220 volts power without step-down transformer 220v to 110v. This transformer shoud be capable to transform at least 1KW (1000W) of power (twice of the device power consumption - 110v * 4 Amps = 440W for this drill). Such transformer is big ang heavy (of about 5-7Kg). If you connect 110v device with 220v power outlet using only plug adaptor you'll get smoke and completely dead device usable as garbage only.For market with 220v this MATRIX system is branded as "Multievo". Try to find it on the European market for example.
Question: What is the precise total length of the portion behind the mounting wall (from the mounting wall internal surface to the tip of the wire connectors
Answer: 3/8" chuck but if u can buy a 1/2" drill bit that has a shank turned down to 3/8" now u have a 1/2" drill or bigger because u can get other size bits with a 3/8" shank the end that goes into your chuck. FYI
Question: What are the two small terminals for
Answer: For those of you who came looking to see if the product had been improved in recent years, literally zero of these comments are helpful. The manuals on the accessories (c. 2015) show a 10-20% LOSS of power in the corded model. I don't know, however, what the amps were on my original corded and whether or not this model is more powerful than the 2015 version.

Product features

Heavy Duty Metal Handle

  • Includes position indicator on the top of the handle.
  • Handle is spring loaded to the off position to prevent incidentally turning on
  • Solid click when turning the switch to the on position.

Durable Metal Body

  • Heavy duty metal case protects internal components of the switch for use in the harshest conditions.

Clean Looking Face Plate

  • Black face plate with silver outline.
  • Clear on/off switch position indication.

3/8" Diameter Brass Studs

  • Includes brass nut and lock washer.
  • 1" long studs
  • Rated to 180 Amps continuous duty, 1000 Amps intermittent duty.

Top Post Battery Master Disconnect Switch

GAMA Electronics

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With our Top Post Battery Disconnect Switch a simple twist of a knob provides a convenient way to quickly disconnect and reconnect power from an automotive battery. The switch provides a clean, solid, low profile connection to your car, truck, boat or RV battery. The switch makes it simple to disconnect your battery to work on your vehicle or the knob can be removed to prevent theft. It also works great to eliminate battery drain if you’re storing a vehicle for an extended period of time. Tested to exceed a continuous 200 amp load. Easy to Install Instructions: Disconnect ground (-) cable from battery and attach it to switch mounting post. Attach clamp end of switch to (-) battery post. Turn black knob fully clockwise to connect battery power. To disconnect power, turn knob 1/4 turn counter clockwise. Knob can be removed for anti-theft. Keep connections clean and tight to assure optimum performance. The negative post diameter on a SAE automotive battery is .625" which is the same as our switch post. Some batteries have larger posts so it's necessary to use a shim with a standard battery disconnect switch. You can use a thin piece of copper or brass or they sell battery post shims at most auto stores or on Amazon.

  • Ideal for car, truck, boat or RV battery
  • Twist of knob disconnects power
  • Easy Installation

User questions & answers

Question: Is it US made
Answer: If you mean 'If you mean "can you plug it into the wall", absolutely not. It's a cordless drill. But you can plug the recharger into the wall to recharge the battery.
Question: Will this stop a parasitic draw that I can't seem to locate
Answer: I don't know. These B & D Tools are not as good as I anticipated, so hardly using them. The first one I bought only lasted 2 months before it quit working. And user instructions were not very user friendly.
Question: Another question... how much do I have to twist/untwist? do I take the knob off completely
Answer: I don't know which is right Torque (in-lbs): 330 at acmetools Torque (in-lbs): 122 at lowes
Question: I have this for my RV, no directions came but from what i see here and online, I use it on the negative post
Answer: Includes:20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 3/8 in. Drill Driver with Autosense Technology - BDCDE120C20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery - LBXR2020V MAX Battery Charger - LCS1620Double Ended Bit
Question: How do I connect the charging cables from the engine to the battery switch
Answer: Yes, this will include (1) battery and (1) charger.
Question: Hi. Can I move from battery 1 to battery 2 directly without passing the parallel position ? Thanks
Answer: It did not come with carry case
Question: Does the lock function in any position, or just the off/lock position? For instance, can I lock it on bat 1, and remove power to starter on bat
Answer: You can use the 1.5, 2.0 or 4.0 and they all can use the standard charger. The advantage of the larger battery packs is longer run time.
Question: does it charge both batteries when only 1 is selected
Answer: http://drilldrivervs.com/black-decker-bdcdmt120-vs-ldx120c-vs-ldx220c-review/

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