Disconnect Switches

Disconnect switches cut-off electrical power and help you protect against electrical fires and theft when vehicles and equipment are not in use, provide a reliable shutdown of power during maintenance, and protect batteries from excessive drain. There are two main types of disconnect switches: One has to be physically actuated for the switch to disconnect power, and the other type monitors battery voltage and automatically disconnects power when the voltage becomes too low to crank the engine.

With the introduction of computers, communication radios and other auxiliary devices in commercial vehicles, electrical systems are very demanding of batteries. Excessive drain happens even when the ignition switch is in the off position. This is called parasitic current drain. This means that when emergency vehicles, construction equipment, turf vehicles, fork lifts and other mobile equipment are left unattended at job sites, or parked for long periods of time, power is still being consumed. Master disconnect switches are designed to power down the vehicle completely, protecting against parasitic battery drain. Cutting off the battery with a disconnect switch removes all parasitic loads and small leakage currents that kill a battery over time. Disconnect switches also prevent injury of the technicians repairing electrical systems by disconnecting all power, so they are free to do their work safely and efficiently.

Current drain also happens when the ignition is on, and the vehicle or equipment is idling, like in police cars, ambulances, trucks and delivery fleets. In this case, you can't disconnect the main power, because you still need the electrical system to run. Low voltage disconnect switches are an ideal option. They monitor the battery loads and automatically disconnect only non-critical loads from batteries to prevent excessive discharge. They automatically reconnect loads if the vehicle is started or the battery is recharged.

Disconnect switches are only one of the many switches carried by Waytek. Waytek's full assortment of switches includes Contura rocker switches and accessories, toggle switches, reversing switches, lock switches, push button switches, push-pull switches, and more.

Sealed Disconnect Switches