1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

[SPYKE-KPT]

I have a 24group start-up deep cycle and a 27group gel deep cycle batteries. It has an off - 1 - 2 -both switch on them. #1 is the 24group and #2 is the 27group. #1 looks like it has 4 accesory wires to it and the 27 group only has one accesory wire to it. When starting it I would put it to #1, but when I get it started then what.<br />Also do I put it to off when I am done using the boat? Thanks for the advice.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

When done use off. When starting AND running use the starting grp 24 battery. Especially important to not switch it while running the motor. I doubt I'd switch to the gel except for times the motor is shut down unless it has a special regulator. I would not recommend using the both setting. Sounds like the accessories are wired directly, no need to routinely switch anyway if I understand the scenario. I hope the accessories are properly fused. I might not want so many accessories connected to the battery I use for starting, though. Caveat: I am influenced by my lack of comfort and familiarity with the gel batteries. I do know they are fussy about how they need to be charged. Hopefully 18Rabbit and others will add their thoughts here also.

 

[JB]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

Moving to Boats.

 

[Boatist]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

I agree with Bearcat not really a good idea to mix different types of batteries. Each type battery requires a different voltage for charging. Switch your battery with motor running could blow your alternator. Switch it to off with motor running will blow most alternators. Switch to both even with motor off and one battery will discharge. Either run two lead acid batteries or two gel cells and change your voltage regulator to the right voltage.

 

[BiXLL]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

You guys really have me confused now. I just installed a new Perko switch for cranking battery/house battery. I read everything I could find on doing it, and I came to the conclusion that switching from 1 to 2 or to all was no problem at all. The problem comes from switching to off while motor running. What did I miss?

 

[cp]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

If the switch manufacturer's literature says that it's OK to switch between batteries or to both with the engine running then the switch's contacts "make-before-break". That would just mean that one of the batteries will always be connected to a running engine's alternator. Do not however switch to the OFF position with the engine running; that would disconnect both batteries from the engine and likely damage the alternator.

 

[SPYKE-KPT]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

Thanks for the advice. If I switch it to off will this just separate the batteries from the motor or diconnect them for everthing, will I lose my settings? It looks to me that the gel battery is just for back up and mybe just needs to be used every now and then to keep it charged. I would have thought that the stating battery would be just for starting and the gel would be for accesories only. Could this be hooked up wrong?<br />Thank's

 

[Hopsdak]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

Depends on which unit you bought..<br />Perko battery switch<br />Alternator Field Disconnect Models <br />In addition to the features listed above, the advantage these models feature is that they will prevent damage to the alternator* if accidentally switched to the "OFF" position while engine is running. <br />(When used with non-unitized alternators, these models will interrupt the field current <br />if turned "OFF" with the engine running) <br /> http://www.cgedwards.com/Perko/pko13.html

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

I just re-read my boat manual to make sure (Seaswirl Striper) and it says it's OK to switch from 1 to 2 through the "Both" switch, but not through the "OFF." It also suggests alternating batteries....rather than running with "Both." My bilge pump is directly connected to #1 battery, so theoretically (hopefully not in practice), #1 might get more drain. Both my (original equipment) are deep cycle; I presume a regular starting battery is not needed for 2-cycle OB since the starting drain is fairly minimal....I think...

 

[gedge@sbar.com]

Re: 1 - 2 - BOTH BATTERY SWITCH

I have a starting battery (8D) and a deep draw accessory battery (8D), two inboard engines, two Perko 8501 switches and a ProMariner 20 AC powered charger.<br /><br />The switches have Positions 1, 2, All, Off.<br /><br />I am uncertain as to how this should have been wired up. It appears the plan was to have the starting battery used for starting either engine and the accessory battery for everything else. I'd like to understand what the proper operation of these switches should be.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Greg