Battery Cut-off Switch
Posted by JWL On 2009/9/1 16:05:32
Some time back there was a forum exchange about the safety benefits of installing battery cut-off switches in our Packard motor cars. Following-up on this I ordered two Cole Hersee 2484-09 switches from elecDirect.com on their online site. A switch for each of my Packards, a '37 Six and a '47 Clipper. The switches cost about $30US each.
I first installed the cut-off switch on the '37. I placed it in back of the battery on the floor pan under the seat. In this installation I switched the ground (positive) cable. This is the preferred way for electrical safety. However, I found the switch location under the seat to be inconvenient, and started looking for a location in the engine compartment.
I determined that a location on the steering column near the starter would be the best place. I fabricated a flat mounting bracket out of 1 1/4" wide x 1/8" thick steel. I attached the switch to the bracket, the bracket to a 1 1/2" exhaust pipe clamp, and the whole assembly on the steering column. The starter (negative) cable was connected to one terminal of the switch. A 14" battery cable with 3/8" opening terminals on each end was connected from the switch to the starter solenoid.
I am pleased with the results. The switch is easy to access, the appearance is acceptable. I painted the switch, bracket, and clamp black so as to help it hide in plain sight. However, switching the hot cable is not the preferred electrical safety way, but the installation is safely mounted.
Following this are a series of photos showing the switch mocked-up on a piece of tubing on top of my work bench, a photo of the starter area before the switch was installed, and a photo showing the completed switch installation.
I have both of my Packards in the house-attached garage, and feel better knowing that the possibility of an electrical fire has been greatly reduced.
Next, I will install a switch on the Clipper. This should be an easier job as the battery is under the hood. Meanwhile, the ground strap is disconnected.
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I first installed the cut-off switch on the '37. I placed it in back of the battery on the floor pan under the seat. In this installation I switched the ground (positive) cable. This is the preferred way for electrical safety. However, I found the switch location under the seat to be inconvenient, and started looking for a location in the engine compartment.
I determined that a location on the steering column near the starter would be the best place. I fabricated a flat mounting bracket out of 1 1/4" wide x 1/8" thick steel. I attached the switch to the bracket, the bracket to a 1 1/2" exhaust pipe clamp, and the whole assembly on the steering column. The starter (negative) cable was connected to one terminal of the switch. A 14" battery cable with 3/8" opening terminals on each end was connected from the switch to the starter solenoid.
I am pleased with the results. The switch is easy to access, the appearance is acceptable. I painted the switch, bracket, and clamp black so as to help it hide in plain sight. However, switching the hot cable is not the preferred electrical safety way, but the installation is safely mounted.
Following this are a series of photos showing the switch mocked-up on a piece of tubing on top of my work bench, a photo of the starter area before the switch was installed, and a photo showing the completed switch installation.
I have both of my Packards in the house-attached garage, and feel better knowing that the possibility of an electrical fire has been greatly reduced.
Next, I will install a switch on the Clipper. This should be an easier job as the battery is under the hood. Meanwhile, the ground strap is disconnected.
Attach file:
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