Battery "kill" switch install

[CheapboatKev]

Thinking of installing a simple batt kill switch.
This is what I picked up at an autoparts store.

http://image.rodandcustommagazine.com/f/9707187+w750+st0/0806rc_04_z+battery_kill_switch+.jpg

Want to wire this near the helm..
Can it be wired to the ignition switch to break the circuit? If so, to the "battery" post on the switch?
Any advice/direction is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

I take it you are just wanting to "disconnect" the battery when not in use with this device?

If that is the case, get an extra set of wires, and place the switch between the battery and the starter, or the panel, or whatever else it powers. Mount the switch, and you have your battery "kill" switch.

I installed a Perko switch specifically designed for marine applications on my old pontoon boat, so that I could seperate the starting battery from the accessory battery. Party all day on the accessory batt, then switch to the starter batt and always know it was fresh. That switch had an option to charge both batts while underway. Paid about 30 bucks for it...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

I'm not clear on what you want to do, interrupt the ignition or disconnect the battery? Are you installing it because of the switch "key"?

I would be concerned if that switch if designed for marine applications, water/corrosion resistant, UV plastic, explosion proof if going into the engine bay??? It would take some seriously heavy battery cable if mounting it at the helm for disconnecting the battery, usually those type of switches are mounted close to the battery, back in the stern.

I'd suggest a switch like this if you are going to use it as a battery disconnect:

http://www.iboats.com/Mini-Battery-Switch-with-Knob-On-Off-Blue-Sea-Systems/dm/*******.459584583--**********.353263709--view_id.238081

 

[rwidman]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

Why not return the auto switch to the auto parts store and buy a marine battery switch at a marine store?

You'll get one that can handle the current and the moist and corrosive atmosphere on a boat.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10109&subdeptNum=10548&classNum=10597

The switch shown is a two battery switch but they ave single battery on/off switches also.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

Well...I am looking at just killing the ign circuit.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

Well...I am looking at just killing the ign circuit.

In that case, any water resistant SPST switch would work. Why not a keyed ignition switch? Your favorite marine store will have them. Or a toggle switch.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

Most ignition switches are fed thru a 20 amp fuse located under the cowling. Most toggle switches are only rated at 5 amps. With that in mind it looks like the one you show would work just fine.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

The way this thing was wired is a nightmare,
It does have a keyed ign...and a push to start button.
The remote push to start needs to be replaced.
She starts up on the key...but i am disconnecting the+ @the battery to kill it...


Ya...i know micke
y noised but wanted to be back on the water

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

Unless you're going to run heavy battery cables all the way up front, the only way to switch the battery off from the helm is with a remote disconnect.
I have one of these, and it works well. Remote has about a 100 foot range. Good for 800A. Even has a bypass terminal for the bilge pump float switch.
And it provides anti-theft.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Battery "kill" switch install

The way this thing was wired is a nightmare,
It does have a keyed ign...and a push to start button.
The remote push to start needs to be replaced.
She starts up on the key...but i am disconnecting the+ @the battery to kill it...

If it has a keyed ignition switch (I can't imagine a boat without one), why do you want to add another?

If what you really want to do is disconnect the battery positive from the boat, the switch I recommended above (or the marine battery switches recommmended by others) is what boat manufacturers use.