• Registered: 2022-06-10
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Switch Panel Location Question

I see that most folks mount their switch panel either on the dash roll bar or on the transmission tunnel. Is there any prohibition from mounting it on the roll cage above, and directly in front of the driver? A slim panel would not impair the driver's line of vision and it would be far enough away from the driver to not be impacted in a crash. Thoughts?

2 Reply by chaase (edited by chaase 2023-03-10 01:55 PM)

  • chaase
  • Lemons Staff Stalker
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  • From: East Meadow, NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-06
  • Posts: 1,430

Re: Switch Panel Location Question

As long as it doesn't block drivers vision AND you can reach it while strapped in, its fine. If you can't reach it strapped, then don't do it. The kill switch should be in a place that's obvious AND easily reached by safety staff.

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  • Registered: 2022-06-10
  • Posts: 4

Re: Switch Panel Location Question

chaase wrote:

As long as it doesn't block drivers vision AND you can reach it while strapped in, its fine. If you can't reach it strapped, then don't do it. The kill switch should be in a place that's obvious AND easily reached by safety staff.

That is what I was hoping to hear. The kill switch will be mounted separately and easily reached by the safety staff. This is just for the ignition and accessories.

  • Registered: 2013-11-15
  • Posts: 558

Re: Switch Panel Location Question

tire_fire_racing wrote:

I see that most folks mount their switch panel either on the dash roll bar or on the transmission tunnel. Is there any prohibition from mounting it on the roll cage above, and directly in front of the driver? A slim panel would not impair the driver's line of vision and it would be far enough away from the driver to not be impacted in a crash. Thoughts?

If it is for convenience switches, keep in mind driver vision is severely limited when strapped in with a HANS.  All of mine are close to the steering wheel.  Switches on the transmission tunnel cannot be seen and are difficult to feel with gloves.  Roll cage above would be good if they can be reached while strapped in.

Team whatever_racecar #745 Volvo wagon
  • From: Tustin, CA
  • Registered: 2010-12-30
  • Posts: 3,227

Re: Switch Panel Location Question

I wouldn't put a panel up there.  The body can stretch a ridiculously unbelievable amount in a big digger.  If your hands can reach up there, so can your head.  What put Michael Schumacher in his present condition wasn't his head directly hitting a rock, it was the gopro mounted on his helmet being driven into his skull.  Don't put anything remotely sharp where your head can reach it.

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6 Reply by DirtyDuc (edited by DirtyDuc 2023-03-12 08:03 PM)

  • From: Newport News, VA
  • Registered: 2015-12-23
  • Posts: 522

Re: Switch Panel Location Question

To add to my fellow captain's inputs, anything that isn't where it would be in a normal car will be difficult to find and identify by touch. I'm not a HSI engineer, but all my switches are visible to the right of the steering wheel and operable by the right hand. Sometimes a kill switch is on the left.

Reaching up is unnatural, and requires extra wiring.

That guy