Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

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Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
63
I'm not too good with diagrams anybody have a simple diagram how I should wire batteries? I have 1 battery now and going to upgrade to 2 batteries and a 3 terminal Perko switch
thanks
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

I don't have a diagram, but it's pretty easy;

Positive cable from first battery goes to post #1 on the switch
Positive cable from second battery goes to post #2 on the stitch
Starter cable from engine goes to COM (common) post on battery switch

NO negative cables connect to the switch, they are bolted to the engine.
 

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Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
63
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

So both grounds independant to engine? or neg to neg and 1 ground to block??
tanks
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,058
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

yes connect the neg posts on the battery together with one cable, then another cable from either battery neg post to the block.
 

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Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
63
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

Sounds simple enough to me. Hopefully get out Saturday
 

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Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
63
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

Anybody tell me how to use switch?
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,058
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

if you want batt one to supply power, switch on #1, if you want batt two to supply power, switch on #2. if you want both batts to supply power, switch on "all".

if it were me, i would have switch on "all" at all times. this way the alt is charging both batts while the motor is running
 

gadget73

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2009
Messages
308
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

What I do with my boat is cruise on both, and when we get somewhere to anchor for a while, I switch to battery 1 to run the stereo and whatever else. When it comes time to go, flip to battery 2, fire it up, then switch it to both so both batteries charge on the run home. When on shore power, ours has a charger so the batteries stay topped off. If you go with two batteries, what I'd suggest is having one starting battery, and one deep cycle. Anchor on the deep cycle so you can run accessories for longer, then start on the starting battery when its time to go.
 

Zackman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
376
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

Here is a link to a pretty good kit, if you haven't bought one already. http://bluesea.com/category/1/productline/overview/329
Also, there is detailed diagrams and instructions.

If you're only going to add the switch, try here for instructions, etc. http://bluesea.com/products/5511e

There is plenty more, similar to the Perko's offerings on the website with wiring diagrams.​
 

chris0061

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
446
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

I always save one battery for starting and hook up all accessories to the second battery. When I take off in the morning after camping I'll switch to one, start and run a while on it to make sure it is full again then switch to number two that ran my accessories all night and charge it.
 

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Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
63
Re: Need wireing diagram to set up 2 batteries and perko switch

I think I remember reading somewhere you can do damage in a certain position? No one mentioned anything about that here
 
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