(DE19503808-A1)      The main cable (1) which links the vehicle battery (6) to the vehicle electrics is cut by an explosive charge (5) activated by an electric current. The charge is connected between the live terminal of the battery and a safety conductor (3) woven into the insulating sheath (4) of the main cable. In an accident a sharp edge of the vehicle body structure pierces the sheath and connects the safety conductor to earth return.    The safety conductor can have a braided structure forming one layer of the main cable sheath. A variation has an earthing cable near the safety fracture point. The explosive charge is in a capsule which drives a cutting edge through the cable.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple safety isolator which does not require a control circuit with its inherent failure mode.    (WO9624510-A1)      The main cable (1) which links the vehicle battery (6) to the vehicle electrics is cut by an explosive charge (5) activated by an electric current. The charge is connected between the live terminal of the battery and a safety conductor (3) woven into the insulating sheath (4) of the main cable. In an accident a sharp edge of the vehicle body structure pierces the sheath and connects the safety conductor to earth return.    The safety conductor can have a braided structure forming one layer of the main cable sheath. A variation has an earthing cable near the safety fracture point. The explosive charge is in a capsule which drives a cutting edge through the cable.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple safety isolator which does not require a control circuit with its inherent failure mode.    (EP724983-B1)      The main cable (1) which links the vehicle battery (6) to the vehicle electrics is interrupted by an explosive charge (5) activated by an electric current. The charge is connected between the live terminal of the battery and a safety conductor (3) woven into the insulating sheath (4) of the main cable. In an accident a sharp edge of the vehicle body structure pierces the sheath and connects the safety conductor to earth return.    The safety conductor can have a braided structure forming one layer of the main cable sheath. A variation has an earthing cable near the safety fracture point. The explosive charge is in a capsule which drives a cutting edge through the cable.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple safety isolator which does not require a control circuit with its inherent failure mode.