Pulling the Plug

Easy DIY Battery Disconnect Switch Install

- STEVEN RUPP

With our hot rods, gasoline gets all the glory, but they also need electricity to run, and as we add more and more bells, whistles, gadgets, and accessories to the mix, the electrical side of the equation becomes even more critical. In some cases, these electrical items consume a little power even when the ignition is off. If you drive your car or truck daily, that's not an issue; but if it sits between events, you might have a surprise next time you try to go for a drive: a dead battery. Installing a battery disconnect switch to kill the car's power is an easy solution to that problem. The good news is that it's a pretty easy project to knock out.

Knowing this, there are a few choices to make. If you want the disconnect switch to be near you for use in an emergency, you could opt for something like the remote disconnect with emergency switch (PN 30205) from Painless. The kit comes with a 250-amp solenoid, push button and hardware. It's not NHRA approved, but it's a good safety item if you track your car. Keep in mind this isn't a good option for storing your car since the solenoid draws 2.5 amps when engaged, so it will drain your battery over time if it remains engaged while the car is stored. Doing some research will keep you from wasting cash on the wrong type of master disconnect switch.

If you want to use the disconnect as a hidden kill switch that can also isolate the battery for storage, then Painless offers a remote disconnect with a latching solenoid (PN 30206). With this type, there is no risk of accidentally draining your battery, so it's great for everyday use. The kit uses a 100-amp continuous-duty solenoid that is activated by an easy-to-hide switch. The solenoid is weatherproof so it can be mounted anywhere.