Well, after looking with horror at the sad end of Hicost's car in the Pyrennees, I have just spent a few hours trying to ensure mine doesn't suffer the same terrible fate.

I have fitted an isolator (which can do treble duty) -

1 - isolates the battery (earth - to negative pole) in case of in-dash fire.
2 - isolates the leccies when the grandkids are faffing about in it.
3 - theft deterrent.

Already passed IVA, so I have no need to ensure the blinkin' hazards still work while isolated!

As I had planned to remove the dash to fit a 12v socket for the Tom Tom, it seemed a good time to do it.

Obligatory picture....

I was going to put mine in there, but then thought about stuff that might roll about in the box and switch it off mid corner... Ended up in the same area but under the dash instead. Nice tidy job though Steve.

Rich

Good work. Battery cut-off is a very nice little modification for a project car.

Provides some theft protection and is nice to have when messing with electrics too.

Some folk have suffered with intermitent failures on these but so far I haven't seen this.

Just curious about the IVA comment - surely a battery isolator is not part of the IVA test, so all you have to worry about with that is when the ignition is off the hazards work, isolator is a whole other ball-game that doesn't need to be included in the test? Or am I just thinking wishfully?

quote:

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Originally posted by coyoteboy
Just curious about the IVA comment - surely a battery isolator is not part of the IVA test, so all you have to worry about with that is when the ignition is off the hazards work, isolator is a whole other ball-game that doesn't need to be included in the test? Or am I just thinking wishfully?

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No, I think you are correct, the whole point as I see it for having an isolation switch is just that - it isolates the entire battery supply from the rest of the car.

Regarding the IVA part, not sure about as that does not concern my car, but I bet there is a rule about sharp edges , I was watching a re-run of the 'Racecar is born' series, and I had to laugh at the bit where he gets it ready for the test, putting trim around the rear number plate bracket....C'mon !!!.

quote:

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Originally posted by stevegough

quote:

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Originally posted by coyoteboy
Just curious about the IVA comment - surely a battery isolator is not part of the IVA test, so all you have to worry about with that is when the ignition is off the hazards work, isolator is a whole other ball-game that doesn't need to be included in the test? Or am I just thinking wishfully?

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Well, you've answered your own question, really.

No, an isolator isn't needed for the IVA, but if you fit one, the hazards must always be able to work.

(bit daft really, as current is still flowing through wires and a relay behind your dash - its hardly isolated!)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Westy1994
No, I think you are correct, the whole point as I see it for having an isolation switch is just that - it isolates the entire battery supply from the rest of the car.

Regarding the IVA part, not sure about as that does not concern my car, but I bet there is a rule about sharp edges , I was watching a re-run of the 'Racecar is born' series, and I had to laugh at the bit where he gets it ready for the test, putting trim around the rear number plate bracket....C'mon !!!.

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Think I'll just leave it off until after the IVA.

For IVA you can cut down one of those red keys (the non-FIA ones are best for this) and slot the top so it only turns with a screwdriver. So now you need tools to change its state (it is no longer a switch).

Then leave it in the on position for the test.

That is what I did and they were happy.

quote:

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Originally posted by matt_gsxr
For IVA you can cut down one of those red keys (the non-FIA ones are best for this) and slot the top so it only turns with a screwdriver. So now you need tools to change its state (it is no longer a switch).

Then leave it in the on position for the test.

That is what I did and they were happy.

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Doesnt have to remain cut down...

Just to clarify -
Kitcar Crisis was Mark Raynard- apparently a plonker.
A Car Is Born etc is Mark Evans - all-round good guy.

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Just to clarify - Kitcar Crisis was Mark Raynard- apparently a plonker. A Car Is Born etc is Mark Evans - all-round good guy.

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No it's not :p

" I was watching a re-run of the 'Racecar is born' series, and I had to laugh at the bit where he gets it ready for the test, putting trim around the rear number plate bracket....C'mon !!!.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That guy is great at what he does, but you have to remember, its TV - not real life. I agree its bleedin' corny in places!


Now read the true story......just posted by the guy in the know. Kit car crisis ""

Reads to me as if he's saying Mark Evans was involved in Kit Car Crisis

quote:

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Originally posted by Macbeast
No it's not :p

" I was watching a re-run of the 'Racecar is born' series, and I had to laugh at the bit where he gets it ready for the test, putting trim around the rear number plate bracket....C'mon !!!.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That guy is great at what he does, but you have to remember, its TV - not real life. I agree its bleedin' corny in places!


Now read the true story......just posted by the guy in the know. Kit car crisis ""

Reads to me as if he's saying Mark Evans was involved in Kit Car Crisis

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If I can cruelly drag this thread back on topic!

Why have you used the switch to isolate the earth rather than the live?

Cheers,
James

WHOOOSH. Right over my head.