Battery Disconnect Switches & Parts

Adding a battery disconnect switch inside a car or truck allows you to cut all electrical power in the event of a fire or electrical malfunction. This helps to prevent you from electrical burn or fire injuries as well as your vehicle from further damage. A remote disconnect switch can also be used as a theft deterrent.

If your vehicle is faster than 9.99 / 135 mph in the quarter mile, has the battery relocated, or is required for your specific class, a battery master cutoff is required. Having the correct one installed in the rear of your vehicle will help you pass through tech and help you get to the starting line.

Car battery switches provide a quick way to disconnect battery power with a simple turn or push of a switch. This helps prevent parasitic power loss and battery drain that will require extra charging in order to start the engine at the next event while transporting or storing your race vehicle.

A car battery disconnect switch cuts power between the vehicle battery and the electrical system. It does this with either a rotary or push/pull switch. When the vehicle is not in use, the battery switch is set to the "off" position to prevent parasitic loss, which will drain the battery. In the event of an accident at the track, the rescue team can quickly cut all power to the vehicle by either turning or pulling the switch mounted at the back. This prevents accidental spark, which can cause spilled fuel to ignite as well as electrical shorts, creating a fire.

If you are installing a battery disconnect switch in a dedicated drag race car and need to comply with NHRA rules, the switch "must be installed on the rearmost part of each vehicle and be easily accessible from outside the car body". Most rotary switches are installed by drilling a hole that matches the switch post diameter and then inserting the switch housing on the inside of the vehicle and the handle on the outside, with the mounting nuts tightened to hold the assembly in place. The switch must then be hooked up to the positive cable of the electrical system so that it stops all electrical functions (including magneto ignition, if equipped). The off position must be clearly indicated with the word "OFF" (by using a faceplate, for example). If the switch is "push/pull" type, "push" must be the action for shutting off the electrical system and "pull" to turn it on. Any rods or cables used to activate the switch must be a minimum of 1/8 " diameter. Plastic and keyed switches are not allowed as the plastic will melt during a fire and needing keys to disconnect power will delay emergency cut-off.

If your vehicle runs 9.99 / 135 mph or quicker in the 1/4 mile, has the battery relocated, or is outlined in your specific class requirements, a battery master cut off is required. This allows emergency and rescue crews a way to cut all power from your vehicle in the event of an accident on the track, preventing leaking fuel from igniting due to an electrical short. Battery disconnect switches also make it easier to cut off power during transport and storage, saving your battery from being drained. View our wide selection of automotive battery disconnect switches for your racing vehicle or custom application.