Marine Battery Switch Buying Tips

Why is a marine battery selector switch one of the most important devices on a small motorized or sailing vessel? Living as I do in an area where there are five motor boat sail yacht marinas, with capacity for over two thousand craft, safety and security cannot be overlooked, and is of paramount importance. A marine battery switch is an emergency device to shut off power from the battery in the event of a fuel leak or maybe a gas leak from a gas canister.

Gas and petrol fumes can seep in and form pockets at low levels, and by the very nature of boat design, there are many small, enclosed and not so well ventilated areas where toxic or flammable gas fumes can accumulate.

Marine Battery Switch Overview

Commonly referred to as a marine battery switch, selector switch or battery selector, this is the boat operators method of shutting down all power when something like a fuel leak is discovered on board the vessel. The ability to shut off the power in a boat will be to prevent any possibility of spark ignition of leaked fuel or gas. Ideally, the switch should be as close to the tiller or operating position as possible.

Marine insurance brokers and insurance companies will almost always insist, if the vessel has an engine and a marine battery, that a marine battery switch is fitted as standard. Without having one of these fitted, it is rare that insurance will be underwritten.

A battery selector switch is easy enough to set up, and connecting the cables up as a do it yourself project is relatively easy, but given the vagaries of insurance companies, it is far better to have the work carried out by a certified marine electrician. This way you have a guarantee and a receipt for the work carried out by a competent professional who is probably approved by insurance companies in the event of the worst case scenario happening.

Fire on board a small to medium sized vessel invariably starts with a flash explosion, commonly ignited by a spark, or a part of the hot engine or exhaust. Once this has happened, unless you are vigilant and have adequate fire fighting equipment on board, the vessel end up destroyed very very quickly.

It is always wise to carry a spare marine battery in case the original develops a fault, and spares such as battery chargers are required as well for keeping both batteries in tip top shape in case any issues arise.

Safe electrical systems, adequate fire prevention methodology and a bit of common sense will all make for happy, care and trouble free life messing about in boats. Amazon has a wide variety of these battery switches with theBEP Marine Switch Battery 275A MD# 701 and the 275A Cont MD# 701-MD being some of the top sellers online.

If you’re looking for an alternate design, then the Guest 2303A Heavy Duty Diesel Power Marine Battery On/Off Switch (450 Continuous, 800 Momentary Amps) and the BEP 550A Heavy Duty On/Off Marine Battery Switch are the other options for high end, heavy duty switches.

As you can see, the boat battery switch is really importants to your safety. Visit our articles page for more information, and protect your safety with a marine battery switch.