Dual battery install w/Perko switch

[brandonizr]

Haven't opened yet and read instructions, but quick question. I understand how to hook up the postive wires to the switch but for the negatives, do I just hook the batteries together? Doesn't seem right but someone on here knows...Thanks

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Dual battery install w/Perko switch

[colour=blue]Yes. Neg to neg directly.

 

[cjames]

Re: Dual battery install w/Perko switch

both batteries need to be grounded together, mine are both connected to a bus bar installed on the transom, then a third cable going from the bus bar to the engine block. Then all my accessory devices are attached to the other connections on the bar, instead of stacking up 20 or so ring connectors on one bolt on the engine block. I used this.

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/onli...+Inactive/Shopby/Shop+By+Department/Ns/P_Sort

 

[drewpster]

Re: Dual battery install w/Perko switch

If it is an inboard the battery grounds connect together then to the engine in some way. Normally they connect to a starter mounting bolt. This way the starter will get a good ground directely to the battery. Then there will be a smaller negetive (ground) wire also connected to the engine block which runs into the dash or somewhere near the fuse/breaker panel. This wire provides a path to ground for the rest of the boat.

If it is an outboard the batteries will ground in the same way except through a group of wires (harness) leading to the outboard engine.

Either way, both battery's negetive posts must be grounded providing a path to ground for anything using battery power. In other word a complete circuit.

 

[ImgMkr3]

Re: Dual battery install w/Perko switch

Yeah and don't do what I did and forget to connect your accessories wire to th common connector on the Perko switch. Got it all wired last weekend and realized what I'd done. The setup works PERFECT....the accessories I'm gonna have move from battery to battery....I ain't tearing it out again just for that@!