continous duty solenoid as master switch

Woodfin · 07-27-2015, 07:52 PM

Racers,

I am considering a high amp rated continuous duty solenoid as my master switch. Anyone have experience with doing this?

In my situation it will be for weight saving reasons. I have the Super 10 on a weight reduction plan and removing the hardware that allows me to operate the cutoff switch while seated and from the rear will remove about 7 pounds.

Mike Pearson · 07-27-2015, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodfin

Racers,

I am considering a high amp rated continuous duty solenoid as my master switch. Anyone have experience with doing this?

In my situation it will be for weight saving reasons. I have the Super 10 on a weight reduction plan and removing the hardware that allows me to operate the cutoff switch while seated and from the rear will remove about 7 pounds.

I would just remove the system to operate from the drivers seat. It's a nice option but I have been racing for many decades and have never had a reason to use such a device. I would stay away from a solenoid as it uses power to hold in the connected position. You could look into a mechanically held contactor. They are more like a relay on steroids.

bigfoot584 · 07-27-2015, 08:26 PM

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Ed Wright · 07-27-2015, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

I would just remove the system to operate from the drivers seat. It's a nice option but I have been racing for many decades and have never had a reason to use such a device. I would stay away from a solenoid as it uses power to hold in the connected position. You could look into a mechanically held contactor. They are more like a relay on steroids.

I fully agree. KISS

Lew Silverman · 07-27-2015, 09:46 PM

I'm guessing you have a battery(s) mounted in the bed on the S-10? Using a continuous-duty solenoid to replace a Cole-Hersey style master cut-off switch would require you to run power to a toggle-switch of some kind inside the cab of the truck, somewhat defeating the purpose of the master-switch disconnecting all power at the battery. Better to have one mechanical disconnect at the rear for safety's sake.

ALMACK · 07-27-2015, 09:58 PM

I could see it working with this type of rear starter solonoid system.
Might take a little more creative wiring than what is in the pic to work as "all kill" switch tho.

Woodfin · 07-27-2015, 10:36 PM

Almack, I do not run an alternator.

07-27-2015, 07:52 PM	#1
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 535 Likes: 8 Liked 272 Times in 105 Posts	continous duty solenoid as master switch Racers, I am considering a high amp rated continuous duty solenoid as my master switch. Anyone have experience with doing this? In my situation it will be for weight saving reasons. I have the Super 10 on a weight reduction plan and removing the hardware that allows me to operate the cutoff switch while seated and from the rear will remove about 7 pounds.

07-27-2015, 08:26 PM	#3
bigfoot584 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 43 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch ---------

07-27-2015, 09:46 PM	#5
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,435 Likes: 371 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch I'm guessing you have a battery(s) mounted in the bed on the S-10? Using a continuous-duty solenoid to replace a Cole-Hersey style master cut-off switch would require you to run power to a toggle-switch of some kind inside the cab of the truck, somewhat defeating the purpose of the master-switch disconnecting all power at the battery. Better to have one mechanical disconnect at the rear for safety's sake. __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

07-27-2015, 09:58 PM	#6
ALMACK VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 1,937 Likes: 131 Liked 369 Times in 127 Posts	Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch I could see it working with this type of rear starter solonoid system. Might take a little more creative wiring than what is in the pic to work as "all kill" switch tho. Last edited by ALMACK; 07-27-2015 at 10:14 PM.

07-27-2015, 10:36 PM	#7
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 535 Likes: 8 Liked 272 Times in 105 Posts	Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch Almack, I do not run an alternator.