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QuintinC



Member Since: 06 Apr 2019
Location: Knysna
Posts: 26
South Africa 2003 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alpine White
Battery Isolator Switch

Hi All, I need some advice on Battery Isolator Switches. The car is a 2003 Defender TD5 90. I work Month-0n/Month-Off and I am considering fitting a Battery Isolator Switch to preserve the battery charge while I am overseas for a period of one month for work. I live in a secure estate (in South Africa) so when I am away, security is not an issue, my concern is battery discharge.

I know that Defenders are susceptible to loose/ faulty earth connections, so I am wondering if entering another connector into the equation is a good idea?

I also have a "smart" battery charger which I have used in the past, but I am not entirely comfortable leaving a charger connected to a battery for 30 days at a time.

Does anyone have guidance or experience with this?

(Photo of proposed cut-out switch attached)
Post #823734 6th Apr 2020 6:46pm
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Daisy90



Member Since: 01 Feb 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 843
United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alveston Red
I have had a similar type switch fitted for about 15 years now, never done me any harm or issues Thumbs Up
Post #823736 6th Apr 2020 7:10pm
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Daisy90



Member Since: 01 Feb 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 843
United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alveston Red
P.s make sure it’s wired properly as just putting it inline with the obvious main battery lead may not do what your after,
I don’t want to write on a public forum on the answer , but it’s simple and probably. A google will help ?
P.s mines a TD5 also,
Post #823737 6th Apr 2020 7:12pm
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QuintinC



Member Since: 06 Apr 2019
Location: Knysna
Posts: 26
South Africa 2003 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alpine White
Many thanks Daisy90. I have read that it should be placed on the earth cable. My other challenge is trying to install it without cutting a hole in the bodywork and carpeting. Will have to see what has worked for everyone else.
Post #823743 6th Apr 2020 7:54pm
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Pilgrimmick



Member Since: 16 Nov 2015
Location: Highlands
Posts: 581
United Kingdom 
Would a solar trickle charger not be better? 80" 1948
Lightweight V8
Bowler Tomcat
130 Station wagon
90 300tdi
(Santana PS10 pick up)
Range Rover L322 (Ful fat)
Post #823772 6th Apr 2020 9:10pm
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Joe the Plumber



Member Since: 18 Dec 2013
Location: Midlands
Posts: 907
2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 HT Fuji White
Just a thought. Although ours are in a sporadically damp position on a narrow boat, those switches are really cr*p. The contacts aren't very positive and terribly susceptible to corrosion. We got through loads of them over a couple of years until I found a much better type.

If you can get one in the current circumstances, these are far more robust (our two have lasted over three years on the boat so far):

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00E...&psc=1

I hope this is of interest.
Post #823818 7th Apr 2020 7:34am
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BogMonster



Member Since: 05 Feb 2008
Location: Stanley
Posts: 389
Falkland Islands 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
Pilgrimmick wrote:
Would a solar trickle charger not be better?


I was going to say the same. My father uses one on his old Discovery just to keep the battery topped up. It doesn't take much input to the battery to offset the sleeping systems plus clock etc. ---
2006 Defender 110 SW 300Tdi • 2011 Ford Ranger XLT crewcab • 2015 Defender 110 Station Wagon Utility TDCi
Post #824126 8th Apr 2020 4:53pm
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QuintinC



Member Since: 06 Apr 2019
Location: Knysna
Posts: 26
South Africa 2003 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alpine White
Good idea on the solar trickle charger but the car lives in my garage.
Post #826924 21st Apr 2020 10:04pm
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BogMonster



Member Since: 05 Feb 2008
Location: Stanley
Posts: 389
Falkland Islands 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
They don't actually need a lot of light to produce a small amount of power. My father keeps a generator battery topped up with a solar charger that lives inside the shed and just gets light in through the window, direct sunlight is minimal but it still works though it is bigger than a standard self-container solar battery maintainer. ---
2006 Defender 110 SW 300Tdi • 2011 Ford Ranger XLT crewcab • 2015 Defender 110 Station Wagon Utility TDCi
Post #827011 22nd Apr 2020 11:49am
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