Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I am installing a battery cut off switch...the type that clamps on to the battery terminal...and then the cable. My 55 Patrcian is all original with the standard 12+ ground system. That would make the Positive side of the battery the ground side.....and the Negative side of the battery the hot side...... am I correct that I should put the switch on the Negative (hot) side? Or should the cut off switch be on the grounded side of the system? Ive seen this both ways and heard it debated both ways. My past electrical skills incline me to think it should be installed on the Hot (negative) side of this system, so the hot side opens when the system is disconnected. What is the general opinion on this?

My 52 300 has one installed by my grandfather and its on the negative (hot) terminal. Works great at keeping the system from draining the juice in the storage months.
The only issue is, is the clock no longer wants to work. I think due to the on off-on-off when there was a bulb short in the rear seat that wouldnt turn off last year. Still havent fixed that issue... just removed the bulb.... bigger fish to fry.

Absolutely install the switch on the ground (+) side. The reason is simple, the switch will be in close proximity to the metal battery hold down bracket (assuming that's what you have) and if you put it on the negative side, should it ever move a fraction of an inch you have the risk for a huge dead short right at the battery should it ever touch the bracket which is direct path to ground.

Totally agree with O_D on connecting battery disconnect to the ground terminal. Here are two photos showing a heavy duty disconnect terminal I found at NAPA. The NAPA number is 728218. I installed it on my 47 Clipper Custom. It works well on the 6-volt system. I also have one on my Model A hot rod which has a 12-volt electrics. Most convenient to connect and disconnect.

(o{}o)

Attach file:

---

  (32.93 KB)


  (36.00 KB)