How does battery isolator work?

[sobediny]

I find this battery isolator. Can anyone explain how does this battery switch work?

Thanks!

 

[VocaTexas]

That looks like a master switch to me. It simply disconnects the battery from the vehicle's electrical system. A true battery isolator is a different animal and I honestly can't tell you how those work. LOL

 

[Rogers954]

Its a basic kill switch, you run your power wire off the battery to the switch and then from the switch to whatever it is you want to power. Anytime you want to kill power you turn the switch to the off position. Basically its a easy way to ensure that whatever your powering doesn't have a constant draw when not in use. This kind of switch is often found in boat and RV power systems, usually when using what's called a "house battery". This one appears to be just a single, they make duals and even triples when running multiple batteries in one system. Hard to tell who makes it a simple search on google will turn up that exact looking switch made by a bunch of different companies.

 

[sobediny]

Thanks. I search and get much new knowledge. Battery isolators protect your engine battery from going dead! Helpful!

 

[shanny19]

I’m sure there are many manufacturers, but in the fire engine world they’re often called “the Cole Hersee switch”, kinda like Kleenex.

 

[wvrailroader]

I’m sure there are many manufacturers, but in the fire engine world they’re often called “the Cole Hersee switch”, kinda like Kleenex.

We've always called them a "Boston", I guess because all of the Cole Hersee switches on our engines say "Boston, MA".