Battery isolator switch

[Matt-watts]

I'm going to fit a battery isolator switch but im not sure on the best place this is what I have

Any suggestions ?

[GordonMasson]

I installed a battery cut-off switch on through the engine bulkhead just to the right of the drivers seat.

All you can see inside the car ... if you notice it... is a small hole about 10mm in the bulkhead trim panel

The battery in my S1 is on top of the RHS fuel tank so cable runs to include the switch are very short.

Easy to get to if you needed to switch it off in a hurry and doubles as a handy anti theft mechanism too.

Just make sure that your switch will take the cranking current of the starter motor!

[andydclements]

I'd suggest having it as close as poss to the battery to reduce the risk of siomething cutting through the cable before the switch and it shorting (small risk on a fibreglass car).

[matk]

Personally I'd put it anywhere where it can't be readily seen as an extra anti theft device.

[Matt-watts]

What about putting it here ?

I was thinking of fitting it in the firewall low down but then if the switch goes wrong I would have to remove a fuel tank to get to the terminals

[matk]

Run a totally unconnected spare wire through at the same time as you fit the switch, duplicating the wire you cut into to install. If the switch fails, disconnect the wire you tapped into at both ends, withdraw the switch and wire from the passenger compartment side of the firewall, connect up the spare wire (already in place).

[molemot]

Mine fits directly to the positive battery terminal..a short length of copper busbar is bent through 90 deg., one leg bolts to the battery and one to the switch..then the normal battery feed bolts to the other terminal of the switch. All this is, obviously, locked under the engine hatch..it's fine so long as you remember to switch on before you've strapped in and are wondering why nothing works!!

[Esprit Aviation]

I put mine behind the gearshift where it is best protected from accident damage being in the center of the car. Also, in the event of an accident, either myself or my passenger can kill the entire electrical system, as it is within easy reach.

Plus! If you are strapped in, you can still reach it!!!!

[dglotusltd]

MIne is on the sail panel in the engine bay right behind the battery. However, on reading the posts and noting you are in the UK and hence sit on the right, I'd say that Matt's picture is what I'd go for.

[Matt-watts]

Think I'm going to fit it like in my picture but i'm not sure how much room I would have with the door shut and as my doors are store else where at the moment, could some one please post up a photo with the door shut please to I can see how much room there is

Thanks

Matt

[dodgy]

mine is fitted here Matt -----

It looks like you are just putting the seatbelt on, not switching the power on

Dave

Edited July 4, 2008 by Dodgy

[GordonMasson]

My one is up slightly from Daves

If you lift the plywood board that the battery sits on then you will find enough room between the tank and the bulkhead to get all the wiring in and do a nice instalation.

I wouldnt fit it on the inner sill if i were you