CARTEK BATTERY ISOLATORS
CARTEK solid state Battery Isolators are very small and highly reliable alternatives to the traditional mechanical master-switch. They have been designed to overcome all of the problems and restrictions associated with mechanical and electro/mechanical master switches to maximise safety, save weight and simplify installation.
HOW THEY WORK
CARTEK Battery Isolators are designed to perform two functions in accordance with FiA regulations. These are:
- Stop the Engine from running
- Disconnect the Battery from ALL electrical systems.
It does this by firstly disconnecting power to the ECU or Ignition circuit – forcing the engine to stop and electrical power generation by the alternator/generator to cease. Then secondly, the Battery Isolator disconnects the negative side of the vehicle’s battery from chassis/ground, thereby disconnecting the battery from ALL of the car’s electrical systems.
Load dump protection is built in so no additional components are needed.
KEY FEATURES
Pushbutton Control
Our Battery Isolators are operated by an internal button for the driver, and an external button for marshalls. Multiple external buttons can be used so that you can mount one each side of the vehicle.
Alternator protection
The Battery Isolator will shut down the engine + alternator first before disconnecting the Battery. This prevents any high voltage spikes that can damage your vehicles electronics and means you don’t need to add in additional components like you would when using a traditional Key Switch.
Status LED Indication
If the Battery Isolator detects a problem such as over-current or over temperature then it will shut down automatically to protect the car. When it does this the Battery Isolator status LED will flash a fault code to let you know why it shut down so you can rectify the fault.
Small and lightweight
Cartek Battery Isolators are smaller than a Credit Card, and can be mounted next to the Battery therefore reducing the amount of Battery cable needed.
BATTERY ISOLATOR RANGE
BATTERY ISOLATOR GT
The Battery Isolator GT is the most popular solution for race cars of all types but is most commonly used on cars that feature standard wiring looms and control units.
BATTERY ISOLATOR XR
The Battery Isolator XR is a smaller version of the Battery Isolator GT. Designed with a 5 pin Binder connector this Battery Isolator is suited for race cars fitted with motorsport ECU’s/PDMs.
BATTERY ISOLATOR X-CLUB [NEW]
The new X-Club is the latest generation Battery Isolator from CARTEK. Designed to be a cost effective option – optimised for race and rally cars running production based engines that are stock or mild tune, up to 3L capacity and maximum 6 cylinders.
BATTERY ISOLATOR X-PRO [NEW]
The new X-Pro is the latest generation Battery Isolator from CARTEK. Designed to work on every type of car and high performance engine (V8-V12). The Engine Kill Output is configurable in 5A steps (up to 20A) and it is also fitted with a Deutsch DT connector which is commonly used and sourced in the motorsport sector.
TECHNICAL COMPARISON
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| CARTEK BATTERY ISOLATOR GT | CARTEK BATTERY ISOLATOR XR | CARTEK BATTERY ISOLATOR X-CLUB | CARTEK BATTERY ISOLATOR X-PRO | |
| SIZE | L = 93mm W=50mm | L = 60mm W=45mm | L = 64mm W=49mm | L = 69mm W=58mm |
| WEIGHT | 120g | 70g | 78g | 110g |
| OPERATIONAL VOLTAGE | 7V-18V | 7V-18V | 7V-18V | 7V-18V |
| CURRENT CONSUMPTION | 7mA OFF, 50mA ON | 7mA OFF, 50mA ON | 7mA OFF, 50mA ON | 7mA OFF, 50mA ON |
| BATTERY NEGATIVE SWITCHING CURRENT | 600A (2000A Peak) | 600A (2000A Peak) | 450A (1500A Peak) | 650A (2000A Peak) |
| ENGINE KILL OUTPUT | 40A protected power output | 0.5A power output | 10A protected power output | 5A-20A protected power output (selectable) |
| CONNECTION | Flying Leads | 5 pin Binder Connector | Flying Leads | Deutsch 4 pin connector |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE | -10°C - +85°C | -10°C - +85°C | -10°C - +85°C | -10°C - +85°C |
BATTERY ISOLATOR ACCESSORIES
Cartek offer a range of switches with the Battery Isolators, which can either be purchased separately or as a kit.
Internal Pushbutton
The Cartek Internal Pushbutton features an LED showing the status of the Battery Isolator.
External Pushbuttons
The external buttons come in a range of colours and are prepared to work in all weathers.
External Pushbutton (Metal)
Cartek also offers a high grade mil-spec External Button with a Red metal cap
Dual purpose External/Fire Extinguisher Button
This button can activate the Fire Extinguisher as well as act as an External Kill Button for the Battery Isolator.
Safety Stickers
Cartek provide one internal and external safety sticker with every Battery Isolator.
For drawings and CAD files of the switches please click below:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Battery Isolator FiA approved?
Unlike race seats, harnesses and fire extinguishers the FIA does not have an approval procedure for Master Switches. However, most FIA race and rally championships require cars to be fitted with a spark-
FiA ARTICLE 13 : GENERAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
The general circuit breaker must cut all electrical circuits, battery, alternator or dynamo, lights, hooters, ignition, electrical controls, etc.) and must also stop the engine.
Do I have to connect the Engine Stop output?
If your car has an alternator then yes you will need to connect the Engine Stop output. Just disconnecting the Battery will not stop the engine from running due to the alternator generating power.
Which Battery Isolator is suited for my car?
Our Battery Isolators will suit a wide range of cars, but typically cars with motorsport ECU’s/PDM’s will go for our Battery Isolator XPro or XR, cars with standard ecu’s + wiring will go for our Battery Isolator X-Club or GT. If you have a historic vehicle then it is recommended to go for the Battery Isolator GT. More information and a comparison table can be found on the individual pages of our Battery Isolators.
Can I use my own switches with Cartek Battery Isolators?
Yes you can use your own switches with our Battery Isolators. The internal switch must be of a ‘latching’ type and the external switch must be a ‘momentary’ type (push to break connection).
WHERE TO BUY
Contact
CARTEK AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS LTD
Unit 25, Mitchell Point
Ensign Way, Hamble
Southampton, SO31 4RF
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)2380 457747
Email: info@cartekmotorsport.com
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