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.

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

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.

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

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Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

I fully agree. KISS

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.

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.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...ocation3-1.jpg

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

Almack, I do not run an alternator.

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

How about a transbrake style solenoid rigged to the backside lever on the cut off where the Morse cable is? Power it off the battery with a normal off momentary switch in the cabin. Punching the switch would only preform one operation, but "Turn the darn thing on" is the main use of the cable lever.

Remember NHRA says one switch in the kill circuit only.

Dale

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

I see two problems with this idea. First I dont believe a solonoid exists that will hold up in this application. But more importantly, in one of the two rule books it specifically says this is illegal. It may be in their big book that we dont get to see very often.

Re: continous duty solenoid as master switch
 

We use a older Dodge diesel solenoid in our race car. It is the round type and we bought it at NAPA. I believe it was listed as a battery relay and was rated about a 100 amps. Hope this helps.

Kirk