Battery Switch Installation

[ShaneCarroll]

Two weeks ago, I purchased a 1992 Sea Ray 180 Bowrider. The boat has a single battery configuration, and I would like to put a second battery, as well as a battery switch. I have heard good things about the Perko switch, any other recommendations? Also, what exactly IS a field disconnect on a battery switch? Was looking at prices, and ran into some that had a field disconnect, and I couldn't figure out what it was.

Has anyone installed any battery switches? Is it difficult? I am great with wiring, but just wanted to get someone who has done it before to give me their opinion.

Thank You.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Battery Switch Installation

They are pretty easy to install. Disregard the field connection. You don't need it.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Battery Switch Installation

Thank you, I appreciate the quick response. I will probably begin this endeavour next weekend, as the boat is in storage and I only pick it up on weekends.

Thank you for the help though.

 

[azlakes]

Re: Battery Switch Installation

Hiya Shane, I have the Perko brand and find it a quality product. When I installed it I had an issue that Silvertip helped me with. He is a grey-beard on such topics. Here is how the Q & A went.

Good luck!

You have it connected correctly. All of your accessories need to be wired to the COM terminal on the switch. Therefore, when you set the switch to BAT 1, everything runs off of BAT 1. When set to BOTH, both batteries power the equipment. When set to the BAT 2 that battery powers everything. To protect the start battery from discharging, you set the switch to BAT 2 when you are at anchor playing the radio, fish finders, live wells, lights, etc. BAT 1 remains protected. when you are ready to go, switch to BAT 1 to start the engine, then to BOTH so both charge both. Or simply set it to BOTH, start the engine and go. You typically would not leave the switch on BOTH when anchored using lots of power since you run the risk of running down both batteries. BAT 2 is your accessory battery. BAT 1 is the start battery. The switch merely allows you to select which battery (or both) will power your accessories.

Hello;

I am hoping you might find a minute to help me. Today I tried using this diagram from this thread to wire a simple switch. One O/B, two batteries.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281093&highlight=wiring+diagram

What I am having trouble with is after the setup, everything still comes on regardless of what setting I have my Perko switch to. I am wondering if all the wires for accessories like bilge, t&t, guage, stereo, etc.., if those positive connections follow the positive cable to the Perko. Its a tight fit but I did get them all on thier respective cable.

Can you shed light?

Best Regards

 

[pvanv]

Re: Battery Switch Installation

The field connections are there to prevent cooking the alternator diodes if accidentally switching to "off" when running. That is why those switches are more expensive. The better switches are also "make before break" to prevent an open circuit while switching, for the same reason.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Battery Switch Installation

Thank you very much. I can say I have learned a lot here. So the field disconnect is nothing I have to worry about, it is just installed on the battery switch. I will let you know how the installatiion goes.