Perko Battery Switch Setup

[gibney70]

I have a Perko Battery switch and I am uncertain how to connect the negative connectors for battery 2. Battery 1 runs from the switch to Battery 1, with a cable going presumably to the motor. Battery 2 has a short negative cable, but I am not sure where it should go 'from' the battery. Does it simply go to the negative terminal on battery 1? This seems like the only place it could go being as short as it is. I have my accessory cable connected to battery 1.

any help would be appreciated.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Perko Battery Switch Setup

You seem to misunderstand how a dual battery switch works. A diagram is provided below.
1) BAT #1 POSITIVE goes to BAT 1 on the switch.
2) BAT #2 POSITIVE goes to BAT 2 on the swtich
3) BAT #1 NEGATIVE goes to BAT 2 NEGATIVE.
4) BAT #1 NEGATIVE "or" BAT 2 NEGATIVE then goes to ENGINE NEGATIVE.
5) ENGINE POSTIVIE battery cable goes to COM on the switch.
6) ALL accessories on the boat goes to COM on the switch.

The switch now controls which battery starts the engine (it can be #1, #2 or BOTH
The switch also controls which battery powers the accessories (it can be #1, #2 or BOTH)
The switch also control which battery is being charged by the engine (it can be #1, #2 or BOTH).

The switch is versatile. But you need to understand what it does for you. It allows YOU to choose which battery you want performing whatever task is at hand.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Perko Battery Switch Setup

Keep this in mind about switches, battery or otherwise. They do not need a negative (ground), they are simply an interruption of current flow. You can even install a batt switch on the ground side, it will work the same way...but don't do that.

The only time a switch needs a ground is when it has an indicator light that lets you know the circuit is energized. The little light needs the ground, not the switch...

 

[kendallgriffin]

Re: Perko Battery Switch Setup

where do i connect the negatives on my accessories if i connect the positives to the common

 

[rwidman]

Re: Perko Battery Switch Setup

where do i connect the negatives on my accessories if i connect the positives to the common

All the negative conductors on the boat connect together. To each other.

 

[sasto]

Re: Perko Battery Switch Setup

All your grounds eventually go to the battery negative, normally with a buss bar or 2. The battery is the best ground you have on your boat for accessories. For each buss bar I run the proper size wire to handle all the equipment grounded to it. Re read Silvertip's post....the "common" on the battery switch goes to the engine starter, and I run all my accessories off the common, with few exceptions. Good Luck.