My Simple Solution the 1-2-Both Switch Issue

3 posts / 0 new
Last post
benethridge's picture
benethridge
Offline
Joined: 5/13/09
Posts: 446
My Simple Solution the 1-2-Both Switch Issue

See attached pic.

I got the idea from my flying career days. Early fuel switches had no override for the off position, and many pilots died by accidentally turning the fuel switch off without realizing it, so the aviation industry added a simple override for the off switch. One would think the marine industry would have followed suit.

Note how the lower screw head prevents the override from vibrating out of position.

Simple gravity and screw friction holds it in position, if you are in bouncy seas.

It is important to chafe-protect the point of the screw from behind, since there are LOTS of wires in that area...or thru-bolt it instead.

I keep the switch connections well lubed with Corrosion Block to prevent the "loss of contact" issue.

Personally, I like being able to charge either bank 1, bank 2 or both from the alternator.

Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263

stu jackson c34's picture
stu jackson c34
Offline
Joined: 12/3/08
Posts: 1270

Ben, if you reroute your alternator output to your house bank (off the C post of the switch), then you can even turn your switch OFF without frying diodes. Use B to charge both banks when charging source(s) are present, or buy a combiner or echo charger. So many discussions about this...:)

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

benethridge's picture
benethridge
Offline
Joined: 5/13/09
Posts: 446

I know. I read them. I just didn't want to buy an echo charger. Have spent too much on the boat this year and just wanted a cheap, effective solution. :)

Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263

Log in or register to post comments