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Old 04-26-2017, 05:21 AM   #1
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The Disconnect Switch

I have one question, I'm getting ready to install this switch and I wanted to ask that if I have two battery do I need to put one on each battery or can I just put in on one battery? I'm using the single blue sea systems m-series battery switches, thank you for your comments.
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Old 04-26-2017, 06:17 AM   #2
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I'm getting ready to install mine and from what I've read you just need one between the positive going to the trailer and the first battery. There is debate on which side, positive or negative but I believe this set up will be most effective. Remember to use the same gauge wire when installing so there is even drain between both batteries and the rig. I've decided to tap the box into the outside of the battery box. Where are you installing?
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Old 04-26-2017, 09:55 AM   #3
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Big1, only one disconnect switch is necessary, and you have acquired a good one. It is true the switch can be installed between the battery and the trailer of either the positive or negative cable, using the positive cable is most common. If using the positive side, install your switch anywhere along the main power cable's path that runs from battery to your trailer.
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Old 04-26-2017, 10:09 AM   #4
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from a functionality point is obviously doesn't matter if it is installed on the positive or negative side. it is mentioned many times that the negative side should be used for safety reasons to prevent an accidental short when working around the battery. you mention that you have two batteries. just be sure that the disconnect switch cuts off all the loads from the battery. it is very common to have several devices wired directly to the battery in addition to the main cables. you may have to remove some of these extra loads and connect them behind the switch. just confirm that the switch will cut off all loads connected to both batteries on whichever terminal you decide to use. with multiple 112 volt batteries in parallel there could be loads connected to both positives or both negatives. with multiple 6 volt in series all positive or negative connections will only be made to the terminal on one battery.
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Old 04-26-2017, 10:20 AM   #5
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Negative side is usually much easier, safer, and absolute.
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Old 04-26-2017, 11:08 AM   #6
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Wow, thank you guys, this is very helpful, and yes in all of my search it have been a lot of discussion about connecting to neg or pos, it can be confusing.

For what I understand or read that either way is okay, is that right?
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Old 04-26-2017, 11:13 AM   #7
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Oh yeah I'm thinking on installing the switch on the side of the battery box.
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Old 04-26-2017, 11:25 AM   #8
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Yep, either side works
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Old 04-26-2017, 11:36 AM   #9
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Awesome, thank you so much, now I need to go and do it.
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Old 04-26-2017, 12:33 PM   #10
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What is the battery disconnect used for anyway? I have one on my Cedar Creek
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Old 04-26-2017, 01:16 PM   #11
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Installed mine today! Disregard the extra black wire... I made my own cable from some #4 I had laying around. Click image for larger version

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Old 04-26-2017, 06:45 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spock123 View Post
What is the battery disconnect used for anyway? I have one on my Cedar Creek


It prevent draining your battery when it's not connected to power. There are appliances that use energy even in the off position like your stereo, co1 detector, smoke alarm, etc that will not be running with the switch off. I also use it to isolate the batteries when it is plugged in once they reach full charge. I know they say it's ok to have them constantly on trickle charge but I think I can get some additional life out of them if I don't.
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Old 04-26-2017, 10:12 PM   #13
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Oh don't apply to me, my camper stays hooked up all the time
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Old 04-27-2017, 12:04 AM   #14
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Installed mine today! Disregard the extra black wire... I made my own cable from some #4 I had laying around. Attachment 135976

Okay, so did you hook up the neg or the pos wire, that do look good and I might be doing it this way, thank you for the pics, you know I like to look at pics.


Okay this look like that you have one red and one black wire going to the switch, correct on the left battery side (which is the driver side)?
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Old 04-27-2017, 12:06 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by benf View Post
It prevent draining your battery when it's not connected to power. There are appliances that use energy even in the off position like your stereo, co1 detector, smoke alarm, etc that will not be running with the switch off. I also use it to isolate the batteries when it is plugged in once they reach full charge. I know they say it's ok to have them constantly on trickle charge but I think I can get some additional life out of them if I don't.

^^^Yes this^^^
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Old 04-27-2017, 01:11 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by benf View Post
Installed mine today! Disregard the extra black wire... I made my own cable from some #4 I had laying around. Attachment 135976

Looks good. I am thinking of the similar A or B or Both or OFF version as I am thinking about an additional battery bank but for now one will have to be AGM and live indoors while the other bank is brand new, (wish I had thought this through a few months ago) Wet Acid Golf Cart Batteries on the Tongue.

Back to this thread, everyone seems to forget that the CUT off needs to cut power to the coach but not disconnect the SOLAR system from the batteries. When I shut the house off with the factory shut off I guess I was lucky because my factory cut off kills the whole house EXCEPT the tongue Jack and Solar which are both wired directly to the Batteries.
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Old 04-27-2017, 04:43 AM   #17
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Big1- this is how I wired mine. Note* I am not an electrician. As you can see ONLY my positive cable is tied into the disconnect switch and I have my 2 12 volt batteries in parallel. As Tom mentioned above, if you have solar or an electric jack you may want to keep them directly connected to the battery and not going through the disconnect switch. I have neither on my rig. Hope this helps! Click image for larger version

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Old 04-27-2017, 09:49 AM   #18
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one final comment. your diagram is correct. it will disconnect everything. you have to ensure that you connect the batteries when you tow in order to have power to the break away switch. or you can go ahead and let it still be wired directly to the batteries (ie not through the disconnect switch) as it will not draw any power unless it gets pulled. you need battery power for the break away switch when towing.
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Old 04-27-2017, 01:48 PM   #19
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CHICKDOE is correct, this is only for when you are parked and not traveling.
You need power to the brakes for the breakaway switch to work.
I also found out the "battery cut-off" switch that comes with the RV, mounted in the storage area, only cuts off the inverter.
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Old 04-27-2017, 02:02 PM   #20
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Great info guys! I would have assumed the 7 pin connector would power the brakes. Thank you!
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