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Battery switch

if you are reffering to a switch like the perko switches,it simply allows you to isolate multiple batteries for use or run them in parralel or series( cant remember which term to use)to give you same volt more amp.and to disconect the battery when not in use so some electrical components will not draw off your battery if not beeing used or sitting for a period of time.
 
I understand the basics, thanks, but curious, should I run it on one and save one, or just leave it on both?

thanks again,
 
If you run it on "both" all the time, and your alternator quits working, then you will have a boat with two dead batteries in it. An engine that won't start on one dead battery isn't going to start on two dead batteries.

You do need to run each battery at least part of the time, or if you ever need your 2nd battery it won't be any good.
 
Run a small wire ( 14 ga. ) and a diode ( like an electric check valve )
between the pos. post on each batt. have them share a common ground.
and run your battery switch between the pos. post parallel to the
diode wire. This will allow your alt. to charge both batteries as needed
while only drawing from your reserve battery when you turn on the switch.
current only flows one way through a diode, make sure that is from
the main batt. to the reserve batt. also it is important to never allow
an alternater to charge a dead battery it will fry your alt. and in this
setup could burn up your diode. alt is for maintaining a charge, use
a batt charger if it's dead. other than the cost of your second batt.
this should not cost more than twenty bucks.
 
NOT TO KEEN ON THE SCIENTIFIC DEAL HERE ! WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE ALTERNATOR WOULD FREAK OUT CHARGING TWO BATTERIES AT ONCE , OR TURNING THE SWITCH OFF WHILE RUNNING WOULD TOAST YOUR ALTERNATOR ! NEVER TRIED IT! BUT NOT PLANNING ON TESTING THE THEORY ! NO TIME SOON ! :D K-MAC THANKS FOR THE INPUT ! THE CHECK IS IN THE MAIL ! :shock:
 
depends on the alternator, take most of your deisel applications one alternator two batteries, but it does more amp per hour charge and is made for heavy duty use compared to an average cars alternator.
 
alternator wont freak out it only puts out so many amps no matter what, it will just take longer to bring up two batteries than it will one. At least that has been my experience on both my airboats and my kicker boats which all have two batteries, actually my kicker boats have three batteries but only charge two at a time.

Perko has been around for a long time and many thousands of them are in use and never hear of a major problem. You shouldn't switch them to off with your engine running becaus ethe alternator has to send juice some where and bad things can happen if it cant but it says that right on the battery switch.
 
We use them when we have two engines on a unit. You can boost from another unit at the flip of the switch however voltage will regulate to higher of two however both alternators will still help. Unless you need some isolation for something that can run dead I don't think I would bother. The ability to absolutely kill a battery and still be able to start. If you need that, put one in.
 
The Perko switch gives you options. The switch gives you a parallel circuit
between the batteries or can isolate each battery separately. When switched
to "both" if your batteries are rated at 750cca each, this will give you 1500cca total cca(cold cranking amps). This is usually only needed as
cranking reserve on high compression engines. Most applications in marine use the battery switch is for reserve battery in case the primary one fails. If you run with the switch on both if one battery fails it can cause the other battery to drain and effectively leave you stranded.

Battery circuits that are run in series are to multiply voltage. If you take
two 12 volt batteries are wire them in series it will give you 24 volts.
Most older diesel marine applications used this type of wiring. The problem with this is that if one battery failed the whole circuit went dead.

Trucks battery circuits are run parallel for cca reserve. 3 batteries at 925cca=2775cca. Trucks need this of course for the diesel engines but
also for cold weather starting.

The Perko switch is a good thing, but use it. Alternate between batteries to keep them fresh and use it on both when needed.
But it's primary use is for back-up. To get you home in case one battery, or the alternator fails you have something in reserve to get you back.
 
the best thing about a swich to me is the safety aspect some time you find yourself in the cage or when your ajusting the prop because ignition swiches go bad some time its good to isolate the power
 
the best thing about a swich to me is the safety aspect some time you find yourself in the cage or when your ajusting the prop because ignition swiches go bad some time its good to isolate the power
 
the best thing about a swich to me is the safety aspect some time you find yourself in the cage or when your ajusting the prop because ignition swiches go bad some time its good to isolate the power
 
Here's a great latching relay I have used on a few boats, Its made for RV and marine use. with a flick of a switch the relay will either put the batteries in parallel or flip the switch the other way and batteries are isolated. I have a dash mounted switch, when cranking or charging both batteries I just hit the switch, then switch back to have a backup. the great thing about the relay is its a magnetic relay and only draws power when switching, unlike a solenoid which needs power all the time..here's the link to the relay, I even have one in my truck. also as a safety issue in a boat a batt on off switch (like a perko) is a must.
//www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-converters/002733.htm
 
thanks all, I understand the usage now. I just did some troubleshooting with wiring that was not used anymore, so I was able to switch the battery off, to not short stuff out.

You all answered my question, I will run on 1 for one weekend, and 2 the next, or day, or whatever, keepingboth charged and one in reserve just in case. The switch was on both when I bought the boat.

thanks,

J
 
Can you switch from #1 batt. to #2 batt. when the boat is at idle? Or can this possibly cause any damage to the switch. Switch is a perko with settings for off, #1, all, #2.
 
No won't hurt the switch, but it could damage the diode in the alternator. Perko has a Batt. switch that allows you to switch it and also provides protection in the event you accidentally turned it off
 
So if you try to start your boat on #1 batt. and it wont turn over, then you switch it to #2 batt. and it starts. Then you can not switch it back to #1 batt to put a charge back into the low batt. or you will burn out your diode in your alt. Is that correct.
 
Good question John C.

Say I run down my #2 battery with my frogging light or trolling motor. How do I get it charged back up without switching it while running?

If the BOTH position doubles the cca, then wouldn't it HALVE is if one of the batt's is dead?

matt.
 
John C you can start your boat on all then switch to one or two.You wont hurt anything by doing that because there is no power interruption.
 
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