Article C5.20.7

Manual Isolation of High Voltage

Technical Regulations

Article C5.20.7

FIA Source

Manual Isolation of High Voltage

Chapter: C5

In Simple Terms

F1 cars must have a manual switch that allows the driver or team to physically disconnect the high-voltage power system from the electrical components. This is a critical safety feature that ensures the car's power can be shut down quickly in emergencies without relying on automatic systems alone.

  • Manual isolation switches must disconnect both the positive (DC+) and negative (DC-) poles of the high-voltage battery
  • This is separate from automatic safety contactors and provides a backup safety mechanism
  • The switch must be accessible for immediate use by drivers or team personnel in emergency situations
  • Compliance is mandatory for all power unit electrical systems in modern F1 cars
Official FIA Text

In addition to the contactors mentioned in C5.20.5, the ES HV DC+ and DC- poles must be capable of being isolated from the PU-CE consumers by means of a manual action(s).

manual isolationhigh voltage safetyemergency disconnectbattery disconnectionelectrical safety
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