battery switch capacity

[project hunter]

Im looking at doing a 3 switch with acr set up and I wont be running anything but engine starter on a big block mercruiser and a small amplified stereo system. Question is will the Blue Sea Systems mini switch be able to handle my needs?

 

[vipzach]

Re: battery switch capacity

According to what Blue Sea's web site it will accept up to 4/0 wire, which should be enough for what you are doing.

 

[project hunter]

Re: battery switch capacity

Thanks vipzach I figured it out by just looking at the Blue Sea website a little closer and it said that these switches are good for 600cca for around 9 seconds I would hope that its started by 9 seconds but I guess you never know. Are to a texoma boater?

 

[18rabbit]

Re: battery switch capacity

Marine battery switches are a personal pet peeve of mine. You’re in luck. Powerboat Reports did an evaluation of battery switches in its current issue, May 2005.<br /><br />My beef with marine battery switches is that they are seriously under-sized for an engine that is hard to start. They will handle big amps for a very short time, 10-15 secs max, then they need as much as 20-30 mins of down time before trying again. Only a couple switches can handle massive amps continuously.<br /><br />The best battery switches on the market are the Perko model 8603 (1st choice) and the Guest Extra Heavy-Duty series of switches (2nd choice, but my 1st choice because it is beefy and built well in excess of UL battery switch standards to handle bigs amps continuously). All other models of Perko switches are garbage and should be avoided. Blue Sea System’s 9001e is a good one, a best buy when factoring in cost and the lifetime warranty. And BEP’s 721 (the best built bat switch on the market!) is not to be over-looked. Do not bother with any of the mini battery switches, the 3-inch or smaller ones from BEP or Blue Sea Systems.<br /><br />There is a strong argument for avoiding rotary type battery switches all together. The sliding contact plates generate heat that can melt the switch body under certain circumstances. It has happened. Smaller, and typically less expensive is a key type switch. They make and maintain positive contact that does not generate nearly as much heat. Note: heat is the product of resistance in the path of the current.<br />Good luck!

 

[project hunter]

Re: battery switch capacity

Thanks 18rabbit but Im looking for on/off switches not the multi 1/2/both/off switch as Im going to use the 3 switch setup. The 9003e Blue Sea looks good do you have any info on it? Or any other sugestions

 

[18rabbit]

Re: battery switch capacity

Yup! It’s a good one. The 9001 and 9003 are the same thing, just more positions on the 9001. That would the switch Powerboat Reports flagged as the ‘best value’ in a std-duty bat switch, based on build quality, price, warranty, and ability to displace heat. Fwiw, Blue Sea Systems also re-brands those switches and sells them thru West Marine with the WM name on them.<br /><br />The BBS 9001e is $20.49 at Defenders, $22.00 at BestBoatWire.com, or $35.00 at West Marine. The same switch is $32.00 re-branded at West Marine (2004 catalog, pg 632). Obviously, a few bucks less for the 9003e.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: battery switch capacity

Great info as always Rabbit! Thanks!

 

[vipzach]

Re: battery switch capacity

Hey project, no I don't go to Texoma, haven't been in years. I will be down there this year for a family reunion though. It is about a two hour drive. I mainly boat around the OKC area, mainly Lake Arcadia! Where are you at?