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How to install the main switch on a VAZ. To prevent the car from burning out: how to disconnect the ground without interfering with the operation of standard electrical equipment Connect the ground switch

03.01.2022

You will learn the necessary minimum information about the battery disconnect switch right now. Every yacht, boat or boat receives electricity using battery and often not alone. To switch between them use special device. The switch makes it easy to select a power source. If necessary, you can also select a combined (shared) mode of using batteries.

You may also need toggle switches, relays and switches that will help protect your boat's electronics from short circuits and provide additional contact reliability.

Mass switch - price and other features of the device

With its help, a yacht, boat or boat is disconnected from the electrical supply system in one motion. Thus, it is possible to protect the ship’s electrical equipment from short circuits during repair work or parking lots. Plus the battery discharges much more slowly. Using the built-in voltmeter or ammeter, it is convenient to monitor battery consumption.

The most common types:

  • Mechanical with manual control;
  • Automatic - the action occurs simultaneously with the engine starting;
  • Electromagnetic or electric - activated by a special button or toggle switch;
  • Electronic - control via a special board;

The most convenient is the model with a button on the panel or control panel. If the device is not included in the initial configuration of the vessel, the issue can be resolved by purchasing a remote device. The device itself is inexpensive, and its price is determined primarily by the features of the small vessel.

In the online store “1000 sizes”, with the help of experienced consultants, you will quickly find your way around a wide range of switches and select the option that suits all parameters. All types of electrical equipment are protected by the manufacturer's warranty and are carefully checked before shipment.

Instructions

The easiest way is to remove the wire from the negative terminal of the battery. Take wrench corresponding to the nut on the terminal, loosen the nut and, having removed the wire, secure it in some niche, preventing accidental contact with the negative terminal of the battery.

It is more convenient to install a mass switch. Available for sale various modifications for every taste. Connect it to the negative wire circuit between the battery and the car body, ensuring good contact. When turning off the mass, press one button, and before starting the engine, press another, closing the circuit.

To avoid getting out of the car and opening the hood when turning off and on the ground, run the wires from the negative terminal into the passenger compartment. Place the toggle switch in a place convenient for you. Such a switch may be known only to you and at the same time serve as a “secret” - an anti-theft device. Without knowing the location of the toggle switch, a stranger will not be able to start the engine.

Modern cars, stuffed, as they say, with “brains”, are not indifferent to turning off the power to the electrical on-board network. Many car enthusiasts generally consider turning off the mass on such cars completely unnecessary. Their protection system will prevent short circuits from occurring, which still cause fires on old domestic cars. The leader of such fires is the Zhiguli (“kopek”).

However, if you leave the car for a long time, then even on a foreign car it would be a good idea to turn off the ground. In order not to de-energize all electronics and the alarm with siren, connect a 3-5 A fuse in parallel with the mains switch. The current passing through this fuse will be sufficient for the operation of the electronics and alarm. And in the event of a serious short circuit, the fuse will simply blow.

The car battery is discharged, even when the car is idle in the garage. When the ignition is turned off, the on-board system continues to work, still powered by electricity. The outflow of energy is especially noticeable after several days of inactivity. To avoid complete discharge, it is necessary to install a battery disconnect switch. Today we’ll talk about how car owners can install a ground switch on their own.

What is a mass switch?

The main switch is a toggle switch made of polymer material, with metal inserts around the perimeter to increase strength and fixation with bolts to the body part.Simple modifications are equipped with only two terminals and a fuse. Upgraded versions have a separate contact for the alarm cable, on-board computer, and navigation. The ground switch is needed in order to

Types of mains switches

According to the activation method, they are divided into:

  • remote power switch;
  • mechanical.

The main difference between the first and the second is that the mass switch with remote control installed inside the car. The driver does not need to systematically open and close the hood to supply power. In addition to wasting time, the integrity of the lock is compromised. And this additional expenses for core repair. Direct ones are installed directly on the battery or near it, at a distance of 15–20 cm.

Advantages of mechanicalground switches:

  • preventing the machine battery from discharging;
  • anti-theft agent;
  • control over the operation of the electrical power system.

A power switch is needed to save charge, money, and safety. Service station mechanics recommend purchasing products in specialized auto stores, car markets, and the Internet. Use the services of intermediaries to a lesser extent, and do not buy parts at unreasonably inflated or underpriced prices. Require the provision of documents and quality certificates.

How to install the main switch?

Let's consider installing a battery disconnect switch with your own hands. We carry out the work without the help of third-party specialists. The design of the switch is simple, and the operating principle is intuitive.We prepare a set of automotive tools, a new terminal for good contact, a metal brush, rags, and a liquid like WD-40 to remove deposits.

Installing the mass switch: procedure

  • We put the car on a flat platform, turn off the engine, open the hood. Use inspection channel or hydraulic lifting mechanism not necessary at all;
  • unscrew the negative terminal from the battery;
  • depending on the design of the switch, we screw it to the body or directly to the battery;
  • We check the functionality of the electrical supply circuit.

Note to the driver!!! It is strictly prohibited to start the engine in the off position of the relay. Reason: risk of damage to fuses, malfunction of electrical appliances.

Connecting a remote power switch.

  • actions according to items 1, 2 are similar to the previous algorithm;
  • in the cabin technical means We determine the installation location of the switch. As a rule, it is located on the left side, under the dashboard;
  • For installation, we temporarily dismantle the decorative panels, drill holes, preparatory work before fixation;
  • we lay a copper multicore cable with a diameter of 0.7 - 1.2 cm from the battery into the passenger compartment, to the toggle switch;
  • fix the switch, screw the terminal, install decorative panels;
  • At this point, the work in the interior is completed, let’s move on to the engine compartment;
  • We carry out preventative maintenance of battery terminals, clean them, remove deposits and oxidation products;
  • We connect one end of the wire to the “negative” terminal, the other to the contact board of the starter.
  • Installation completed. We check the proper functioning of the electrical power system.

How to avoid data zeroing when disconnecting the mass

Zeroing problem electronic unit control does exist, which is inconvenient. The driver needs to reconfigure the gadgets and radio each time to suit himself. This can be avoided by purchasing a switch with an additional fuse and contact. Against the background of a general shutdown of the power system, the “necessary” devices remain fully operational. If you try to start the car with the relay turned off, the fuse will blow due to a voltage drop, and theft will not be possible.

Method No. 2: install an additional block with contacts for the alarm and radio to “minus”.

There is nothing complicated at all about installing the switch. Just 15 minutes of time and you're done. We have never had to deal with repairs. If you doubt the success of prevention, contact service center to the masters.

Remember that it is necessary to remove the battery when the machine is idle for more than a week without use. Before starting in cold weather, warm up the battery by activating the light, turning on the radio, other lighting, without starting the engine for 2 - 3 minutes.

Pay attention to the choice, if you need to charge the battery, read our blog.

The cause of a car fire while in motion is a fuel leak, ignition of objects caught on a hot exhaust system, or a short circuit in the electrical wiring. In a fire that engulfs a car that is parked without outside intervention, electricity is to blame in 99% of cases. There are simply no other reasons: the exhaust is cold, and fuel, oozing or even dripping, almost never ignites on its own. Concern about such a fire is relieved with the help of a mass switch, which de-energizes the entire electrical system. A simple mechanical manual “switch” for two or three hundred rubles, the expensive “Mercedes relay” Gruner-750, popular among jeepers, or any other option will save you.

But the main switch has no less disadvantages than advantages (excuse the pun).

On relatively modern car standard electronics do not like power outages, losing settings, adaptations and memory. In addition, many units sometimes require tens of minutes to “fall asleep” correctly, and dancing around an open hood, waiting until all electronic processes are completed correctly, and then turning off the mass is madness. Moreover, visually this completion cannot be determined.

Full of other inconveniences. With a disconnected battery, you won’t be able to set the car alarm, then you won’t be able to open the doors using the key fob; without power, comfort systems such as opening the trunk with your foot, window closers, and much more become useless. However, there is a way that will help protect against fire and not cut off power to the electronics.

This sounds strange and mutually exclusive... But one of our readers, Alexander Tsaplin, shared his own original and very simple development with the Koles community. This method is suitable for owners of new cars who understand basic electrical engineering and know which end to grab the soldering iron from.

So, the first thing we do is install the mass switch. In the most common way, as they always do - by disconnecting the wire coming from the negative terminal of the battery from the body and connecting it back through a powerful “switch”. We use any type of disconnect switch you like - a manual disconnect with a handle or key, an electrically controlled contactor from a truck, a specialized relay, or something else.

Now we need to purchase several meters of wire with a cross-section of about 2.5 mm2, an appropriate amount of thin protective corrugation for the wires, two ordinary five-pin automotive relays and automotive terminals. From all this we will assemble, according to the diagram below, the simplest additional wiring going from the battery to the standard lamps high beam in the headlights.

We find the positive wires through which +12 comes to the headlights when the high beams are turned on - to the right and to the left. We cut these two wires next to the headlights and connect the contacts and windings of relays K1 and K2 into the gap of each by soldering, crimping, or, in extreme cases, high-quality twisting. Also, this additional circuit is connected to the negative terminal of the battery according to the diagram.


Defence from short circuit in the car's electrical wiring is ready. Let's consider the operation of this circuit in different modes.

When the mains switch is closed, the battery is connected to the body and engine normally. There are no nuances here - everything works as usual.

When, with the ground switch closed (the engine is running or not, it doesn’t matter), we press the steering column switch that turns on the high beams, our additional relays are activated, and the high beams come on - here, again, there are no changes or nuances for the driver in comparison with the standard version .

Now we leave the car, leaving it in a parking lot or garage, and we want to protect it from possible fires. We open the hood, turn off the mass by turning the handle, but the minus on the body... does not disappear!

Let's look at the diagram again. Now the minus of the battery turns out to be supplied to the body by our separate wiring through the normally closed contacts of two relays and through the parallel threads of the high beam lamps. The resistance of one cold filament of an average headlight lamp is about 2.5 Ohms. Two in parallel, as in this circuit - about 1.2 Ohms. This is an insignificant resistance in the negative circuit, and almost all standard and non-standard electronics and electrics that are constantly turned on (bypassing the ignition key) simply do not notice it. For it, disconnection from the power via the negative wire simply does not occur after opening the mains switch.

The mass has been cut off, but the consumers we need continue to receive supply voltage and function - these are different units of standard electronics that “fall asleep” for a long time, native and additional security systems, turbo timer, "polite light" and other systems.


Now let's simulate a short circuit - that's what, in general, everything was started for.

Let's say that plus 12 volts from some consumer, connected to the power supply not through the ignition switch, accidentally touches the “ground” - the body, the engine or some exposed negative wire. And it gets to the leads of the high beam lamps connected to ground. Now they have a plus! And we supplied the minus to the second terminals of the lamps artificially, with additional protective wiring, through normally closed relay contacts. As a result, instead of a short circuit, we get the high beam lamps turning on. If no emergency is detected, the battery will be discharged within a few hours of the headlights being on. This is an inevitable payment for the fact that the car did not burn out... But, you see, it is insignificant!


Well, in order to reveal the topic to the end, let’s try to start the engine, forgetting to first turn on the “ground”. The current to the starter, as well as to any consumer in protected mode, will be supplied through the high beam lamps. They will flash, but the starter will not budge. In this case, no overloads occur - the startup attempt is safe. The starter simply won't work and you'll have to open the hood and flip the ground switch.

Another small check from the same series. Without connecting the ground and without starting the engine, we turn the ignition key and try to supply power to some powerful consumer - turn on the heater fan or lower the window in the door. The fan will start working, but with reduced power, which will be audible in sound and performance: the high beam lamps turn on in series with it, like powerful resistors. The glass will begin to descend, but also slowly. Based on these signs, the driver understands that he forgot to turn on the mass. But all this, again, is safe and cannot damage electrical equipment.

Important nuances

Finally, some important details. There are two of them.

First, you should know that this system does not allow power to be supplied to the starter and the engine to start until the ground switch is closed. Therefore, if you need to implement remote start from an alarm key fob or telephone, a manual “switch” will not work. Here you will have to use an electrically controlled circuit breaker as a ground switch: an electromagnetic contactor from trucks or that same Gruner relay. In this case, the alarm must be configured so that the relay that opens the ground is activated by a separate “alarm” channel and is triggered first in the cycle of actions during autostart.

And secondly. This protection system only works when using conventional halogen incandescent lamps as headlights. If you have installed in your head light LED bulbs, the “safe mass” will not work.

About the benefits of the main switch experienced drivers there is no need to tell. This device protects the battery from discharge during long periods of parking, as well as when correct installation acts as a simple anti-theft system.

Figuring out how to install the mains switch correctly is not difficult. But if you're not particularly good at electrical diagrams, it is better to leave this work to professionals or get preliminary advice from them.

How to install a battery disconnect switch on a car?

The main switch is mounted next to the battery or directly on it and performs the function of preventing leakage electric charge from battery. If there is also a fuse on the switch, the car’s electrical system is not completely de-energized. In this case, the alarm siren remains powered, central locking, on-board computer and a radio tape recorder. But if an attacker takes on the job, his attempt to start the engine will most likely end in failure, because the starting current of the starter blows the fuse and the car system is de-energized.

Therefore, if you have already started looking for how to install a mass switch, you should contact a specialized store where you can find several suitable options. The simplest is a terminal with a built-in switch. But here it is important that it can withstand the load coming from your battery. Otherwise, damage or even fire may occur.

If you have decided on the model of the mass switch, experts will best tell you how to install it. To do this, disconnect the terminal from the ground and the positive terminal of the battery. The next step is to disconnect the terminal from the wire. Just save it in case you no longer need the mains switch in the future.

Check the condition of the battery, electrolyte level, check it Maintenance. The mains switch should be connected to the negative terminal of the battery and securely fastened. Also connect the power wire to the positive terminal.

The ground wire is connected to the switch in accordance with the instructions included in the delivery kit. Turn off the device and try to start the engine. If everything is working properly, after turning off the ignition, turn on the power switch. If you were able to properly connect the remote master switch, all vehicle systems will be powered when you turn the key, but attempting to start the engine will cause the fuse to blow.

How to connect the mains switch on a car with a modern electrical system?

In many new models, an unplanned battery disconnection can lead not only to resetting the computer, radio and clock, but also have Negative influence on the quality of engine starting. Therefore, if you are not fluent in the science of electrical engineering, it is better to leave this work to specialists or order modifications from a dealer.

But even in such a situation, you can find a way out. To do this, it is enough to install a cheap source of electricity, which will allow you to store security codes and important information. In extreme cases, you don’t have to disconnect the battery, using small clips that will act as improvised fuses and store the necessary information in the device’s memory in the event of a short circuit.