Battery Switches & Accessories

Any boat that has more than one battery typically is set up with two or more battery “Banks”. One is usually set up to start the engine(s) & the other is commonly referred to as the “House Bank”. The “House” Bank” typically runs those electrical components onboard that need power like radio’s, lights, refrigeration, etc. If you have a 5KW, 7.5KW, 10KW, or larger Genset installed on your boat than this topic need not be covered, because you’ll have all the power you require as long as you have an adequate fuel supply to run you’re Genset.

Battery Switches typically come with 4 position’s, however several battery switches simply have an ON / OFF feature without the AFD (Alternator Field Disconnect). These ON/OFF ONLY switches are typically installed on a vessel powered with Diesel Engines.

Be careful in selecting the “ALL” position on your battery switch. It provides all the power from all the batteries and if you’re on the hook for the evening and select the “ALL” position you run the risk of running down all the batteries and will be unable to start your engine(s) when it comes time to head back to port. Blue Sea Systems manufactures a “Automatic Charging Relay”, that we stock, that will automatically manage all the settings if you don’t want the responsibility of having to remember all the setting changes. We also suggest you engage a Certified Marine Electrician, in your area, to install this charging relay if you feel uncomfortable in tackling this electrical project on your own.