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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper Ra&Ta350's Avatar
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    What's the purpose of the Battery Disconnect switch?

    What's the purpose of the battery disconnect switch if you still have to disconnect the ground cable?

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Hi Ra&Ta350,
    A very valid question ! It seems that GD figures that some (most) things should be disconnected, but not all. It is not clear what is still powered (GD will not provide wiring schematics) but certainly the landing gear and lights in the forward compartment are still powered with the disconnect is turned off. Maybe the CO detector too ?
    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  3. #3
    scott42blue
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    On my 355 the battery disconnect has no effect on anything. Not sure why yet I have not worked my way to that area yet. As mentioned before the cheaper disconnect switches always recommend installing on the negative side as amperage load is smaller. Rob has different views and may be correct. I have a lot of respect for him and abilities . Old school thinking, if you have a electrical fire would you disconnect positive or negative terminal first ?
    Good example , I was working on stereo in garage today installing cut off switch. As soon as I plugged in positive power stereo came on with ground not connected. RVs and auto ground in many locations, as many as 20 or more.
    For me I will install 100 amp + rated disconnect on positive input side.
    Scott

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Hi Scott,

    You and I are (as usual) on the same page on these things .
    The "disconnect the negative terminal first" is all about swinging the wrench.
    If you are rushing to disconnect a battery, on the negative post there is no voltage potential between the terminal, your wrench and all the surrounding metal. If you go at the positive terminal first, there is massive current potential between your wrench and anything that it might touch.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  5. #5
    Seasoned Camper gr8daggett's Avatar
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    It is called arc welding.
    Mike & Pat Clawson
    Marty & Bucky (Welsh Corgis)
    2015 Grand Design Reflection 337 RLS #2813
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    2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
    Comfort Ride Hitch, 52 Gallon Titan XXL Fuel Tank, Banks Speed Brake, Firestone Air Lift Bags
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  6. #6
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    @ Mike . . . arc welding . . .
    bin ther dun that

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  7. #7
    scott42blue
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    Rob
    As usual you are correct , negative ground is much safer. Having been around a few electrical fires in Autos over the years. Many times a negative disconnect will not stop a fire. On the other hand if a consumer burns themselves on battery disconnect it could be very expensive. If there wrench shorts out if would make things worse quickly.
    I see your point and agree.
    Scott

    I will post findings on my negative disconnect failure as it may help someone else.

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