Dual battery switching affect electronics?

[krazykev]

I'm installing a dual battery switch (manual) and I am wondering if this could harm my elecronics when switching between "bat 1" to "bat 2" via the "both" way or should I just turn them off before switching over? Second battery is a deep cycle used for the trolling motor and as a backup for starting if sitting too long.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

I forsee no problems switching the battery switch while the units are on, just don't while the motor is running.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

I'm installing a dual battery switch (manual) and I am wondering if this could harm my elecronics when switching between "bat 1" to "bat 2" via the "both" way or should I just turn them off before switching over? Second battery is a deep cycle used for the trolling motor and as a backup for starting if sitting too long.

Anytime you switch from 1 - 2 or whatever, you?re temporarily shutting off the power while the switch is in between positions. Your electroics will just shut off unless they are hard wired to a battery.

 

[krazykev]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Ok. If I am using the "Both" position, for starting purposes, can I switch back to the single battery selection (ie. Bat 1) so it will charge it while running? Note also in this situation I would turn off all electronics.

 

[krazykev]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Anytime you switch from 1 - 2 or whatever, you?re temporarily shutting off the power while the switch is in between positions. Your electroics will just shut off unless they are hard wired to a battery.

Even if the switch is make before break? Going the "1" to "both" to "2" way?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Let's clarify. 1) If you are installing a switch that IS NOT a make-before-break style, do not install it. 2) Why would you start the engine on BOTH and then switch to BAT 1 to charge only it? The typical scenario is to start on BAT 1 (assuming it's your start battery). Switch to BOTH under way. Then switch to BAT 2 while fishing or at anchor listening to tunes. BAT 2 will be powering accessories at that point. When you get ready to go again, switch to BAT 1 to start, then to BOTH under way. Or just start on BOTH and leave it there when under way. Electronics will not be damaged when switching provided the switch is make-before-break. The only big NO-NO is never to switch to OFF with the engine running. That will cost you a regulator.

 

[krazykev]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Typically I just use one battery for starting and electronics and a deep cycle for the trolling motor if used. Most of the time we have enough wind to drift, in which case don't use the trolling motor. A week ago there wasn't much wind so I used the trolling motor quite a bit and not the main motor. Spent hours upon hours enjoying the day and found a hot spot at night which we anchored. When trying to leave there wasn't enought juice in the starting battery to start the motor and had to swap out the batteries to use the deep cycle to start the main motor to get off the lake. I do not want to have to do this again so I want to make sure that I'm clear on how I should have this all hooked up. I added a second fuse block to add electronics (2 depth finders and a GPS) and extra lights (lights are all LED) hooked to the starting battery. I guess I should hook the boat and second fuse block (all accessories) to the switch and run like your scenario. Just want to make sure this doesn't happen again. Do I need the alternator disconct switch? Haven't bought the switch yet.

 

[jammer]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Krazy...simple..just keep the starter battery for starting. Maybe also a clock like I have..but just for that. Then switch..of course with the engine turned off and run all the nice other stuff from that. My humble opinion..just keep it simple...very simple.

 

[krazykev]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

I go to many different lakes for the weekend without electricity so battery management comes into play. I'll get a battery status indicator also.

Up here in MN it's just hard to get off the lake and go home. "One more hour then we're gone" turns into 2 hours then a couple nice catches and you start the "one more hour" thing again. 11 hours without hitting shore and sometimes seeing the sun come up the next day. Know what I mean?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

As Silvertip says you are perfectly safe to switch (with a make before break switch) at any time while engine is running (except for the OFF position), I have done this for years and never had a problem.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Dual battery switching affect electronics?

Search out a few other battery switch threads. You'll see my recommendation for battery switches. Get rid of that crappy 1,2, both switch and use Blue Sea's dual battery switch set up with battery link. You need a starting battery, a house battery and that's it. The switch is on and off. Both batteries operate independently of each other. In case of emergency there is the option of combining both to start the motor.