How Does The Battery Isolation Solenoid Work?

Updated 12/13/2016 | Published 12/12/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded

(12)

$34.34

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(102)

$1.71

Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Insulated - UL Listed

(17)

$36.94

Question:

Is this part the same thing as a starter solenoid. Or what a lot of people call them a Ford solenoid.

asked by: Dustin

Expert Reply:

The Battery Isolation Solenoid, # PK5231201, is not the same thing as a starter solenoid or the Ford solenoid but could be used in a similar way. This solenoid is intended to isolate the power to the trailer so it doesn't drain the battery of your towing vehicle when the ignition is switched off. It is rated for 100 amps. This protects your trailer from draining your vehicle battery while still connected and leaving you needing a jump start or forgetting to plug in your trailer back in. The side posts are voltage in and voltage out to the trailer battery and the center connection is to your ignition switch power source. The mount is your ground. I recommend using 10 guage wire to connect it like the # 10-1-1.

If you want a 4 pole solenoid, I recommend the Pollak Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Insulated - UL Listed, # PK5230701. This will give you the same functions as the 3 pole, but the 4th terminal will serve as a ground instead of the mounting bracket serving as a ground like the 3 terminal model.

expert reply by: Jason S