Need a high amp toggle switch

[archcycle]

I'm looking for a high amp toggle switch I can put in my switch panel to handle a few accessories but can't find anything high enough for marine use. My electronics are run off of a tiny deep cycle separate from my dedicated starting battery and I'd like to be able just put a small clean switch on my switch panel for them without having to go the giant ugly battery switch route.

Everything running at the same time i've counted up to just shy of 40a if everything (stereo, bilge, LEDs, etc.) happens to be on at the same time. The VAST majority of the time I'm only pulling about 20a but I'd hate to overload my switch (the fuel tanks are in the center console.. ).

I've found a Sierra at jamestown dist that's 50a but it's a momentary. Then there are 50a at auto stores but they aren't marine switches and things can get pretty wet sometimes in my 16' cape horn in the gulf of mexico and this switch is too big for any boots I've found.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

Use a 50 amp relay controlled by a lower current toggle switch.

TerryMSU

 

[archcycle]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

Wow I have a 125a relay lying around. can't believe I didn't think of that:facepalm:

thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

You are pulling 40 amps from what you call a "tiny" deep cycle battery. Just how small is "tiny" and how long does the battery last??? Just curious as to what these items are that add up to 40 amps (or even 20 amps).

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/S-D-420600-1/Sea+Dog+Heavy+Duty+On-Off+Switch+with+Key.html

*Nevermind, you're looking for a toggle*

 

[archcycle]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

It's a group U-1 deep cycle "stowaway" mini trolling battery I found at Academy Sports. Very tiny and when hooked up with a VSR to charge when the motor's running or when I have a trickle charger on the starter battery it has been the perfect house battery for my little 16'.

stereo - 20a (and I think my Infinitys pull it!)
vhf - 7.5a
bilge pump - 3.5a
live well pump - 3.5a
tons of LEDs and the incandescent running lights - at least 5a
handheld GPS charge adapter- don't know the draw
fish finder - don't know. never opened the fuse case.
anything I plug into the 12v outlet - ?
And I have two free switches on my panel should I decide I need another accessory. Gotta plan ahead on the amperage availability.

Usually I've only got the stereo going, gps on boat power, fish finder, and a few LEDs going. That little battery is a champ. I've even run the stereo for hours, found my keyswitch had malfunctioned (turned out it had decided to start allowing a little draw even with the key out of the ignition) and run a little bit of current to the starting system- not enough to turn the motor over, but the hours of voltage actually got so hot it melted the leads down into the battery. I found them sinking in and didn't have time to stop the disaster. Bad position to be in 3 miles out into the gulf of mexico after dark. The little guy started my 140 and I went home.

My first one lasted through 2 years of absolute abuse and i recently replaced it. Not bad for a $45 battery.

 

[archcycle]

Re: Need a high amp toggle switch

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/S-D-420600-1/Sea+Dog+Heavy+Duty+On-Off+Switch+with+Key.html

*Nevermind, you're looking for a toggle*

Yeah. The guy I bought the boat from a few years ago had absolutely butchered the console. Last year I got a big plate of thick marine grade aluminum and cut it to perfectly cover the areas he'd butchered, replaced the poorly placed and crooked automotive switches with a clean marine switch panel, and had the boat's name laser engraved on one of the plates. Attached with clean flush aluminum pop rivets.

It's so clean and perfect now. I can't bring myself to put a big ugly battery switch on it!