Perko "1, both, 2, off" switch

[neilsom]

I am installing a second battery and have a Perko switch. I want to get some info befor eI put it in .

My question is, when I am installing the accessories I put them on the switch on the accessories switch. I have to groudn the 2 batteries together and then to the boat. I am assuming I can just ground the accessories to the same line.

I wanted to get some advice from someone that has alreay done it.

so to sum it up I have a + lead from bat 1 to post 1 and bat 2 to post 2. All + lead accessories are on the accessories post. (these 3 posts are on the Perko switch)

The the ground goes from the boat to bat 1 and there is a lead for the - from bat 1 to bat 2. Since that is one line it shouldn't matter where on the line the accessories attach to the ground.

TIF

[Boats]

What kind of boat do you have? Aluminum?
If so, be VERY careful installing the Perko switch. If you look carefully, you'll notice that the terminals on the back of the switch come dangerously close to being flush with the back of the switchbox. (Maybe 1/8"!!!) If you mount that box against the aluminum bulkhead and one of the terminals touches the boat... LOOKOUT!.

I took my switch over to Tap Plastics and had them machine a plastic backing plate for about $7.00.

The other thing to watch is your mounting bolts. I didn't want to take the chance for any of the positive cables to rotate and come in to contact with the stainless steel mounting bolts, so I ran each mounting bold through a piece of vacuum tubing. I'll try to take a picture of the final installation and post it soon.

BTW: I'm not sure if I completely followed your installation. Are you going to use a grounding block? Not sure I'd want to run all my electronics through the hull.

Good luck!

[neilsom]

I have a fiberglass boat. What I am trying to figure out is where to ground eveything.

thanks for the input. I am just trying to figure outhte ground situation. I am assuming that since the ground goes between both batteries that I can ground my accessories anywhere in that line. I only have a depth finder and stereo that are the issue.

[Boats]

On my boat I have 2 Optima batteries.
The negative terminals are connected to a common grounding block for accessories.
You can get the grounding blocks at most any marine electronics store such as WestMarine, Rogers etc.
Here is an example:
http://www.iboats.com/Busbar_150_Amp...-view_id.38031

One other thought... Many of us have had trouble running depth sounders (fish finders) on the same circuits as our radios. Stickfish can probably add to this, but it's frequently recommended to run VHF radios on their own dedicated circuits to the battery. You may find this to be the case with your stereo.

[unionguynw]

I just did the same but on an aluminum boat. My ground is connected to the motor. I think your correct that it doesn't matter where in the ground circuit your accessories are grounded to. The instructions that came with the switch were kind of confussing to me, (or mabey it was just me), I finnaly did realize that my accesories needed to be tied into the center pin on the switch, (labled "common", or as you called it "accesory") There have been so many threads started on this issue it took me hours to read them all, but if you look back you will find a diagram that is much more helpfull than the instructions that come with the switch.

[dixiefisher]

The negative terminals are connected to a common grounding block for accessories.

While you are this far into it, you might as well add this.....you will be much happier in the future....especially when you do add another toy!

[chucks electric]

hello, i don't recommend perko brand switches, if overtightened they WILL short out on a metal base use a bluesea switch. battery #1 and 2 can be located where ever you want them to be. remember to never use wire smaller than 2 ga for any starter circuit. when selecting battery components including buss bars you must consider the out put of your battery(s) if they were to be suddenly shorted to either ground or a hot leg or post. i recommend a bluesea #2106 buss bar this is good common ground for both batteries and engine, as well as a hull grounding conductor if it applies. all grounds should come back to the same common point. never daisy chain your grounds from battery to battery or use the engine block as a ground buss. unless and only unless you have them hooked up in series!.
remember to properly mount your battery box if you are using a flooded battery the box integrity must hold the volume of electrolyte that is in the battery so no holes in the bottom of the box.
you all have the right idea and thats good and safe.

[Boats]

Hey Chuck... Thanks for the added info.

I like your recommendations. Wish I had known about that brand before I purchased my Perko. I noticed just what you said, that there is a potential for short on the Perkos. That's why I had my backing plate made. Not sure why Perko doesn't include one or at least sell one as an accessory.

[neilsom]

since I am using a fiberglass boat instead of aluminum I shouldn't have the shorting problem you are referring to.

Thanks for the input. just wanted to get it before I put it in tonight.

have a good one.

[chucks electric]

your welcome