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Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:07 pm
by Kevin Tomkinson
Hi all,
Can anyone tell me what amperage battery isolator switch on a Panzer IV with the new electronics would need. I assume it would need a 60 amp switch the same as the main fuse, but I thought I would ask.
All the best
Kevin.

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 4:10 pm
by Mark Heaps
Go for an isolator switch with a higher rating. In a worst case scenario you want the fuse to blow before the switch is damaged. Fuses are a lot cheaper than switches.
Mark

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 5:23 pm
by Sam Hough
Has anyone tried the MCBs used in consumer units? http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-li ... cat7230022

High rating at cheap prices and you get fuses and switches in one? Voltage rating total overkill but that doesn't matter?

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:00 pm
by Adrian Harris
I wouldn't recommend trying to use an AC MCB to try and break a DC current.

It will probably sustain the rated current during normal operation but the arc that will occur when it breaks a fault condition may well melt the internals if it isn't designed to break DC currents.

Adrian.

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:12 pm
by Gian Marco Menozzi
it needs a low voltage switch and DC,
like these,
find them from car radios and car amplifiers
https://it.aliexpress.com/wholesale?cat ... +circuit+b
on a friend's KT I fitted this one
https://it.aliexpress.com/item/12V-DC-C ... b6fe4ff575

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:42 pm
by Mark Heaps
Adrian Harris wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:00 pm
I wouldn't recommend trying to use an AC MCB to try and break a DC current.

It will probably sustain the rated current during normal operation but the arc that will occur when it breaks a fault condition may well melt the internals if it isn't designed to break DC currents.

Adrian.
Where do you get that from ?
At the moment it opens or closes, a DC is being applied, whether DC or AC is operating normally. Any arcing damage will occur irrespective of AC or DC.
If using one in a minimal load condition as a switch, the arcing will be minimal. If it trips due to a fault condition then more arcing damage will occur. Attempting to reset it whilst the fault condition is still present will cause more. Certainly worth using but carry a spare.

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:57 pm
by Steve Stuart
Following lead of John Davies I have fitted Durite 100Amp Relays to my Tanks. They solve the problem of having to access a chunky Isolator Switch by having effectively, a very small switch that can be installed in an accessible, convenient location for a complete switch off.
Steve

Re: Isolator switch.

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:59 pm
by Robert E Morey
I use these Hella switches. They are robust and take high amps
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla- ... gIUJ_D_BwE