Battery Disconnect

The big battery bank died after 4 1/2 years.  I bought cheap batteries so I only expected it to last 5 years, so I got close.  At that point I modified the Prius to power the UPS and it made much more $ sense to use that for long-term base loads than to spend the big $$$ to replace the big battery bank. 

Originally posted by Tbslants Newbie to R-POD..The switch instruction said to connect it to the negative side...is that an issue?  Does it matter which side?Thanks

Electrically there's not much difference between positive or negative.

Convention usually dictates disconnecting the positive as Techntrek suggests.

From a safety standpoint some suggest disconnecting the negative cable in a vehicle. This is because a loose negative cable hitting the frame or chassis of the vehicle will do no damage, but a positive cable hitting the vehicle chassis could cause a short circuit. This is only a problem if there is another source of current such as a running alternator or on-board converter/charger. For permanent installation I prefer the disconnect in the positive side.