Battery Switch? What does it do?

[ordonyez]

I just bought a bass boat and it has a Guest Battery switch on it. I have one cranking battery and one battery for the trolling motor. I have attached a picture. It basically allow me to choose one battery the other battery or both. Im not sure what it does? Can anyone tell me how I should be using this thing?



Below is the description of the product:
The Guest battery selector switch is designed for universal mounting and features alternator field disconnect. This universal model battery switch carries a rating of 230 Continuous Amps and 345 Momentary Amps.

Dimensions: 5"D x 2-3/4"H

* Alternator field disconnect (AFD) allows selection of any positions, including "off" without damage to alternator or elecrical system. AFD is required on some electrical systems.
* Heavy duty copper sweep contacts
* "Make before break" contacts allow selection of all positions except "off" while engine is running
* Use with 6, 12, 24 or 36 volt systems
* New design is easy to retrofit into existing hole patterns
* Built-in skirt protects connections
* Exclusive flat 360 degree "sweep" contact design provides up to 60% more contact area than other switch designs
* Surface or rear panel mounting
* Marine grade construction
* One year warranty

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

The sealed switch allows you to select power source with no spark thus avoiding a messy gasoline explosion and fire. The greatest drain on your batteries will be the trolling motor and I personally would not use the cranking motor's juice except for cranking. But I never liked swimming to shore from a boat with a dead battery. That' why I like my 1977 70hp rude it still has original pull cord although in all the years I've run these motors never used one.

 

[Zeeter]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

It all depends on how it is wired. Dont take anything for granted.

 

[ordonyez]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

So basically I should have it always on battery 2 (the non cranking battery)?

I agree that I dont want to waste my cranking battery, I would rather leave that alone. I have room for one more batter which may be an option in the future.

Is that all this switch is? a power source selector?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

Pretty much!! One is "supposed" to be for auxillary power, trolling motor, stereo, depth finder etc.. good point was made about "Don't take any thing for granted" Be sure, I agree! Don't want two dead batteries

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

So basically I should have it always on battery 2 (the non cranking battery)?

I agree that I dont want to waste my cranking battery, I would rather leave that alone. I have room for one more batter which may be an option in the future.

Is that all this switch is? a power source selector?

Thats it!

Exactly what it does... switches the power source for the battery indicated or for both at the same time... in most cases they are hooked up so that either battery is used to power the entire boat, including cranking the engine,(but your configuration may vary). (Sorry I guess I am not used to seeing it as an aux/primary setup)

That being said, if it is hooked up the way I have seen, my general rule of thumb is to alternate which battery I use to keep them "fresh"... One trip out use #1, next trip use #2, both is typically reserved for "emergencies" if you are having a problem starting or something similar.

Hope that helps!

 

[Zeeter]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

Whoa. Pretty hard to give a guy advice when none of us know how this thing is wired. Typical and real may be two totally different things.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Battery Switch? What does it do?

FWIW, that switch should also have an "OFF" position. The switch should be in the "OFF" position when you are not using the boat. In a marine environment, corrosion and stray voltage are common, both can lead to a dead battery, and pitting on your hull if it is aluminum. Good habit to get into turning it to OFF whenever you are not in the boat.