Install External Disconnect Switch
At 20:06 in
The cows are destroying the fences...so I'm building this!
What happens here
It's important to have an easy way to disconnect power to the energizer for safety and maintenance. To achieve this, cut the red (positive) power wire that runs from the battery to the energizer. Strip a small section of insulation from both ends of the cut wire. Crimp a blue heat-shrink spade connector onto each exposed wire end. Then, attach these spade connectors to the terminals of a toggle switch (which will serve as a physical disconnect). Connect the toggle switch into the main power line. Once the switch is assembled, drill a small hole in the storage box and mount the toggle switch on the exterior of the box. Use a small wrench to tighten the switch's nut. This allows for quick and easy disconnection of power to the energizer without opening the box. The blue color of the connectors typically indicates a wire gauge of 16-14 AWG.
Goal: Create an accessible external switch to easily turn the energizer on and off.
Tools and materials
- Cordless Drill — Drilling a hole for the toggle switch
- Drill Bit — Drilling the switch mounting hole
- Heat Gun Milwaukee — Shrinking heat-shrink connectors for a waterproof seal
- Ratcheting Crimpers Wirefy — Crimping connectors onto wires
- Small Wrench — Tightening the toggle switch's nut
- Toggle Switch — External power disconnect for the energizer
- Wire Cutters/Strippers — Cutting and stripping insulation from wires
- Heat-Shrink Terminal Connectors — Connecting wires to the toggle switch and creating a waterproof seal