Perko Switch for dual batteries

[GDRAFT]

I just bought a perko swiitch and a second battery, I am getting ready to install a couple amps for a new stereo system, now should I hook that stuff up to the COM connection on the back of the perko switch so it can work with both batteries and should I leave the bilge pump hooked up directly to one of the batteries?? Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

leave your necessaries on one battery, and the i wants on the second battery. engine should be a starting battery, and i wants on a deep cycle battery. the necessaries are the things that get you home after you ,kill the i wants battery with the stereo, strobe lights, etcs. usless you are postive you have a contunous connection battery switch, do not move the switch with the engine running, you can blow the electronics of the engine.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Good question: can you put stereo stuff on one battery and neccesities on the other and run them both with the perko switch? If you can, then what is the purpose of even having the perko switch...just curious!

 

[GDRAFT]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

I believe the stereo stuff should go on the COM post of the perko switch, that way either position of the switch wouldn't matter for the stereo

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

If you have a simple Perko ON-OFF switch, that's not what you need and what follows does not apply. If you have a switch with OFF-BAT 1-BOTH-BAT 2 settings, the COM terminal is where everything is connected (except for the bilge pump). The bilge pump obviously should be on a direct battery connection to prevent the boat from filling with water when you aren't there and you have the power turned OFF. If BAT 1 is the start battery, anything connected to the COM terminal will be fed only by BAT 1. If set to BAT 2 everything will be powered from that battery. Set the switch to BOTH paralles the two batteries so you can run to your destination. Kill the engine, switch to BAT 2, annoy all the people around you and if you if you have to beat a hasty retreat, switch to BAT 1 (which won't be dead because its been disconnected) and head out. The switch allows you to determine which battery you want to run ALL your stuff from. If you need two batteries to power all the accessory stuff, you might just as well parallel the batteries and forget the switch - or use three batteries (2 accessory - 1 start). And just so you understand the switch -- the switch needs to be in the BOTH position to charge both batteries from the engine. Run constantly with the switch in the BAT 2 position and BAT 1 won't charge. Run in BAT 1 and BAT 2 won't charge.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Yeah, I understand what you are saying, and that just means he probably does not need any sort of switch...I like your idea of just three batteries (2 accessory - 1 start).

 

[GDRAFT]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Silver tip................PERFECT advise, as far as the 3 batteries, no room and don't need the extra weight, the 3 apms I am running with the second battery and not to mention the 4 tower speakers weigh enough

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Look at this:

 

[schmir]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Silvertip, I have a swith with off, 1, 2 or both. I typically just leave on both all the time. I'm really not concerned about running the battery dead with the stock cd player. Is it ok to just leave on both all the time if I'm not worried about running the batteries down? I thought I read somewhere that the batteries wont charge as fully if I do that. Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

Running in the BOTH position when at anchor won't hurt anything but defeats the purpose of the switch -- other than having an OFF position. As long as there is no danger of running both batteries down it won't be a problem. But what if you did? Then you would say "why didn't I switch that darned switch"? They will charge just fine, but again, it would be better to alternate between them. In the BOTH position you essentially have one verrrrry large battery so it will take longer to get both of them charged. In the "1" or "2" position each one will charge quicker. Sort of like filling one very large bucket with water vs two smaller ones.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

One other problems with keeping the switch in the BOTH position is that the weaker battery will draw down the better battery.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

That's true, but only to the point where they equalize.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

In the both position the batteries are only as good as the weakes battery. A dead cell in either battery will destroy the other. As long as there both good no problem. I would rather keep my statring battery seperate from the house battery. That way what ever happends I can switch to the other battery and get home.

Things can happen you do not expect, examples to follow.
A shorted bilge pump switch, Inigition switch left on, Stereo left on, Menny more.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Perko Switch for dual batteries

In the both position the batteries are only as good as the weakes battery. A dead cell in either battery will destroy the other. As long as there both good no problem. I would rather keep my statring battery seperate from the house battery. That way what ever happends I can switch to the other battery and get home.

Things can happen you do not expect, examples to follow.
A shorted bilge pump switch, Inigition switch left on, Stereo left on, Menny more.