All electrical items switched, is that a feasable idea?

[JerseyBoater]

Hi all,

I'm looking to upgrade the wiring on the boat, and add a gps and vhf for next season.

I already have a dual battery setup, nothing fancy like blue sea, just a off 1, 2, both switch (Which I use as both or off).

The two batteries have the bilge pump float switch and radio memory wire as the only 2 permanent connections. Both are fused and would stay this way.

What I think I would like to do if upgrade the switch panel, and make every electrical item run via the switch. This should allow me to start the boat, and then once out the harbour power up the other devices (stereo, gps etc) if required.

Currently when I turn on the battery switch, the radio starts up, and with the current wiring the new gps and radio would as well.

Are there any problems with this setup apart from the additional wiring? I've seen a few of the stickies where the gps, radio etc isn't switched, but I assume this may just be for convenience?

Thanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: All electrical items switched, is that a feasable idea?

Its my preference to have things on a fused switches

 

[Silvertip]

Re: All electrical items switched, is that a feasable idea?

Every device you mention (GPS, radio, etc) already has an ON/OFF switch. Why add another one? If your accessories are currently wired though the engine ignition switch, that is NOT the way they should be wired, especially if the ignition switch doesn't have an ACC position. With a dual battery switch EVERYTHING, including the engine POS battery cable should go to the COM terminal on the switch. This gives you the option to turn things on and off without the engine running or the ignition ON. It also allows you to start the engine from either or both batteries. It allows the engine to charge either or both batteries. It allows you to operate accessories from either or both batteries.

 

[JerseyBoater]

Re: All electrical items switched, is that a feasable idea?

That's a good point Silvertip, don't have the vhf / gps yet and forgot they were switched.

The accessories are not wired through the ignition, although I've only had the boat 6 months so you never know... I do have an acc on the ignition though which bring the gauges to life.

Battery switch is wired correctly based on your description.

MH Hawker that's the kind of panel I am thinking about.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: All electrical items switched, is that a feasable idea?

That's a good point Silvertip, don't have the vhf / gps yet and forgot they were switched.

The accessories are not wired through the ignition, although I've only had the boat 6 months so you never know... I do have an acc on the ignition though which bring the gauges to life.

Battery switch is wired correctly based on your description.

MH Hawker that's the kind of panel I am thinking about.

Are you certain the ACC on the ignition is actually the "Accessory" position and not the RUN position? There is no reason to have gauges active in the ACC position which is why I raised the question. Is the switch labeled OFF, RUN, START. or ACC, OFF, RUN, START??