Battery disconnecting switch

[jonesg]

Hello.
Has anyone installed a battery cut off or disconnect switch in the engine compartment?
Is this even a possibility?
Thank you.

They use a lot of those switches on boats, the ones that don't require a wrench to tighten can vibrate loose and cause trouble.
Might boil a battery or freak out diodes in the alt.
Not sure what the upside is in a car, boats rely on dual batteries.
I see marine batteries with wing nuts on the terminals, its a really stupid idea.

If you fully understand which circuit these switches are cutting as in my post they can't possibly damage any other device. If you cut power to starter then you cut power to alternator as they're bridged at the starter. Car doesn't start with switch open so therefore you can't stop the alternator doing its job or upset the charging circuit because alternator is not turning. Switch it on then car starts and allows alternator to do it's job because the switch is closed. Simple.

What if the switch becomes intermittent. ?

[precopster]

Salt air/roads will cause that in which case no go.

Also not using it will result in a flaky connection as they have a copper contact pad that requires friction to keep it clean. Keeping it switched on keeps the pad moisture free. Leaving it off leaves the contact pad open and susceptible to air and oxidation.

[abscate]

I would guess if you go to the trouble of putting it in you would use it

Boat stuff doesn't get used for six months up here, but the battery select systems tolerate that. I do click mine through all the positions for seasonal startup though.

Loose wires and failing systems do cause problems, yes.