R-pod Owners Forum : Battery Disconnect Switch

R-pod Owners Forum : Battery Disconnect Switch https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Battery Disconnect Switch Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:12:36 +0000 Sat, 13 Jan 2018 10:29:55 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11008 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Battery Disconnect Switch : BATTERY CUT OFF SWITCH Used... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103648#103648 Author: wthoms2000
Subject: 11008
Posted: 13 Jan 2018 at 10:29am

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

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

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

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

Used the ears to hold the bungee in place.

Enjoy!

]]> Sat, 13 Jan 2018 10:29:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103648#103648 Battery Disconnect Switch : Special thanks to Furpod. Installed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103151#103151 Author: wooleeman
Subject: 11008
Posted: 23 Dec 2017 at 9:39am

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.

]]> Sat, 23 Dec 2017 09:39:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103151#103151 Battery Disconnect Switch : My disconnect is on negative side... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103109#103109 Author: Podizzi
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 7:48pm

My disconnect is on negative side also and it works perfectly.]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 19:48:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103109#103109 Battery Disconnect Switch : My battery disconnect on the Pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103103#103103 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 4:07pm

My battery disconnect on the Pod is on the negative terminal, easy install and effectively disconnects batt. Mounted next to battery on trailer tongue.]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 16:07:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103103#103103 Battery Disconnect Switch : Originally posted by Olddawgsrule Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103100#103100 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 3:45pm

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Originally posted by StephenH

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.

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.

All transfer switches have to be double pole. Modern house services are double pole so anything less would not meet electrical code.
]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:45:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103100#103100 Battery Disconnect Switch : Originally posted by StephenHDespite... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103099#103099 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11008
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.

]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:32:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103099#103099 Battery Disconnect Switch : I don't have a disconnect... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103098#103098 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 3:26pm

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! Smile

TT
]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:26:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103098#103098 Battery Disconnect Switch : Despite what NHRA says, I was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103095#103095 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 1:37pm

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.]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:37:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103095#103095 Battery Disconnect Switch : If ever in doubt of which side... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103084#103084 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11008
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 at 7:06am

If ever in doubt of which side to tie into DPDT. Removes all doubt.

MHO on the matter.]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2017 07:06:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103084#103084 Battery Disconnect Switch : Originally posted by ChetC Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103067#103067 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:51pm

Originally posted by ChetC

Originally posted by wooleeman

...I know some prefer to do negative, some positive...

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...

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
]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 17:51:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103067#103067 Battery Disconnect Switch : +1 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103060#103060 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 4:13pm

+1]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 16:13:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103060#103060 Battery Disconnect Switch : Originally posted by wooleeman...I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103054#103054 Author: ChetC
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 1:34pm

Originally posted by wooleeman

...I know some prefer to do negative, some positive...

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...

]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:34:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103054#103054 Battery Disconnect Switch : Originally posted by rawest50Since... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103042#103042 Author: furpod
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 9:11am

Originally posted by rawest50

Since I am electrically dumb. If you install a battery disconnect switch what service does it perform? When would you use it?

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.
]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:11:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103042#103042 Battery Disconnect Switch : Since I am electrically dumb.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103041#103041 Author: rawest50
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 9:00am

Since I am electrically dumb. If you install a battery disconnect switch what service does it perform? When would you use it?]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:00:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103041#103041 Battery Disconnect Switch : Guess someone has to ask.. Teddy,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103033#103033 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11008
Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 7:23am

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.]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 07:23:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103033#103033 Battery Disconnect Switch : Thanks, folks - nothing is easy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103026#103026 Author: TEDDY
Subject: 11008
Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 10:45pm

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!]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2017 22:45:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103026#103026 Battery Disconnect Switch : Hate to say it.. no wiring diagram... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103015#103015 Author: furpod
Subject: 11008
Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 7:31pm

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.
]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:31:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103015#103015 Battery Disconnect Switch : I have never seen a wiring diagram... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103013#103013 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11008
Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 6:06pm

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.]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:06:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103013#103013 Battery Disconnect Switch : Speaking of power - there is no... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103005#103005 Author: TEDDY
Subject: 11008
Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 2:46pm

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?

]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:46:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=103005#103005 Battery Disconnect Switch : Nicely done Furpod! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102997#102997 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11008
Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 9:44am

Nicely done Furpod!]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2017 09:44:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102997#102997 Battery Disconnect Switch : Man I enjoy this forum. Thanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102991#102991 Author: wooleeman
Subject: 11008
Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 5:01pm

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.]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:01:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102991#102991 Battery Disconnect Switch : Disconnect from shore power... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102990#102990 Author: furpod
Subject: 11008
Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:35pm

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.

]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:35:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102990#102990 Battery Disconnect Switch : Thanks Mike. Yes,I wanted to put... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102989#102989 Author: wooleeman
Subject: 11008
Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:05pm

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.]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:05:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102989#102989 Battery Disconnect Switch : Interesting. Following the main... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102988#102988 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11008
Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 3:45pm

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.]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 15:45:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102988#102988 Battery Disconnect Switch : I would like to install a battery... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102985#102985 Author: wooleeman
Subject: 11008
Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 10:35am

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.

]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:35:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11008&PID=102985#102985