Battery switch question

[GLG]

I’m working on a welded tin boat fixing up some of the wiring. The previous owner put an on-off battery switch on the negative post. Should I change that to the positive side? Does it even matter? If it should be changed can any one tell me why. Thanks GLG

[Time]

Until the experts weigh in.
Generally any fuse or switch should be on the positive wire.
On a boat, aluminium in particular, a stray ground conductor can be anything, hence if the disconnect is on the negative, you can still have a completed circuit. If the disconnect is on the positive wire, a stray ground connection isn't going to complete the circuit.
That's why Scotty specifies the fuse on their electric downriggers be mounted on the positive wire.
Hope that makes sense.

[MyEscape]

GLG on every boat I have ever been on and that equates to many I have never seen a battery shutoff on the negative side always on the possitive side that way everything is 100% off on the boat with the exception of the bilge pumps which should have there own in line fuse and be wired directly to the battery. JMHO

Cheers ME


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[GLG]

Thanks guys. I will change it over to normal. GLG