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Battery Quick Disconnect

John Fitz wrote:
Quote
As far as disconnect switches, i don't like to use them because they add yet another connection point that can develop resistance.  I do however want to easily (without tools) disconnect my batteries in a hurry for safety reasons so I use Adjustable Handles to replace the bolt on the last connection to the coach or chassis system.  I made a nut (so it wont spin) on the back, out of a scrap aluminum part and drilled and tapped a hole to match the Adjustable Handle thread.  I purchased the Adjustable Handles from McMaster-Carr
John,
Would it be possible for you to give us the details of the handle you used and how the assembly was put together?
 
Many thanks, and assembly you designed looks real good.
 
Reference post:  Storage question
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Battery Quick Disconnect

Reply #1 –
You've probably seem Adjustable Handles before but they what makes them useful is you can pull up on the base of the handle and it rotates free from the stud (or nut) to allow you to reposition it to apply more turns.  When you pull up on it, you are lifting against a spring.  The repositioning of the handle allows you to turn the screw eventhough it next to an obstruction or wall.  Like nuts and bolts there's a whole assortment of different threads, lengths, handle styles and materials.  I used a stud handle for the house batteries McMaster-Carr but you should measure the fastener(thread and length) that's on you battery setup to match to it.  I made a locking nut by taking a scrap piece (don't pay attention to the strange shape) of aluminum (happends to be black anodized) and drilled and tapped a hole.  The long side of "nut" rests against the battery top such that the nut wont spin when I try to loosen it in a hurry.

I did the start battery connection a little different using a female handle McMaster-Carr on the standard battery post square head screw.  I think I was in a hurry and told myself I would make up a locking washer to prevent the screw from turning and never got around to it  - you know how that goes.  So far every time I loosen it the screw never turns.  Here's some pics:

John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Battery Quick Disconnect

Reply #2 –
John,
Thanks for going out there in this freekin' cold & taking the pictures.  It is crystal clear now.  The only real challenge for me is fabricating the aluminum piece for the house batteries.  I do prefer to disconnect the batties' cables as opposed to using the typical permanent mount "quick disconnects" available.  The appropriate rated quick disconnects are very pricey indeed.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Battery Quick Disconnect

Reply #3 –
Quote
The only real challenge for me is fabricating the aluminum piece for the house batteries.
Just occured to me you could use a 2nd Adjustable handle to replace the aluminum piece - one male, one female.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho
 

Re: Battery Quick Disconnect

Reply #4 –
I understand your concern about additional connections but properly done and protected by something like Corrosion X a properly sized switch should be just fine.  Here is such a switch rated at 2,750 amps for 10 seconds and 1,325 amps for one minute.
Blue Sea 3001 HD-Series Battery Switch AFD

John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP