Most modern-day electronics are designed to handle reasonable
faults--losing power suddenly is certainly a reasonable fault. Really all
you need is to open the output wire of the alternator and open the battery
circuit. You can do that with any of the cutout switches that have a heavy
pole for the battery disconnect, and a second lighter pole for the
alternator disconnect.
You won't get a power spike delivered to the electronics from the
alternator if it's disconnected. You might get a higher voltage delivered
to the internal regulator of a one-wire alternator, but that's what it's
there for and they can handle it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Benford Jr. [mailto:sbracing@execpc.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 5:38 AM
To: fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Alternators and Master Cutout Switches
Amici:
Is it possible to wire in a master cutout switch that will shut down
the electrical power completely? I know there are master cutout
switches designed for use with alternators. How are these wired into
the system? My first attempt at a wiring diagram will have the car
still running but not charging the battery when the master is turned
off.
I have heard that if the wired incorrectly, shuting down power at the
master will cause a power spike from the alternator and fry all of the
sensitive components in the alternator and electronic ignition. Sort
of like removing a connection from the battery when the car is running -
which is suppose to be a big no-no on modern day autos.
Thanks and Thumbs Up
Steve Benford Jr.
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