Battery cut off / master switch + or - lead?

[djc100]

Second Q regarding sorting my wiring. (there will be more)

The battery cut off switch on the dash (fitted by a previous owner) 'cuts' the earth lead between battery and chassis. Is this a normal installation? - I expected it to cut the main + supply.

David

[Adrian@]

I see battery connections switches that switch off both earth and positive..so good question?
Adrian@

[Comadis]

50% of the cars i bought 2nd hand had the minus switched...and logically the other 50% the plus.

installing myselves i would (had) always do(ne) the plus

[phillpot]

Put one on my S3, on the positive terminal (seemed logical at the time) but bear in mind if you switch off while engine is running the alternator will keep everything "live" so engine will keep running.

[djc100]

phillpot said:

Put one on my S3, on the positive terminal (seemed logical at the time) but bear in mind if you switch off while engine is running the alternator will keep everything "live" so engine will keep running.

I've found the same happens with mine wire wired in the negative side. To reliably kill the engine it appears you need a switch with additional terminals to interupt the ignition feed. I will probably fit the latter as with my harness fastened I can't reach the ignition switch.