recomendations for a battery isolator

[duncan]

getting a little ahead of the game (see previous post) and mindfull of Col's comment re cheap ones with red keys (like the 2 I have currently) can anyone recomend a 'decent one' with UK mail order source so that I can go equipped to change over next weekend.
One with Off/1/2/Both would be even better as I may well put the second battery back in.
Thank you in advance...........

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[jerryat]

Hi!

I like the Vetus 1-2-Both-Off type. Takes 375amps (if I remeber correctly) in short bursts e.g.engine starting, and will easily cope with the average consistant yacht loads. It also 'makes before breaks' to help prevent damage to the alternator.
All IMHO of course!

Good sailing!

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[Vara]

Seconded.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can't be fixed with a lump hammer dont fit it!

 

[tugboat]

I agree with the other posters that the Vetus type is best - however it always used to be that the one with the Vetus name on it was twice the price of the identical switch under another name.The last one I bought was labelled ECS and was the same unit. The mail order cats all have them - Mailspeed currently at £19-99 but the swindleries usually have them on the shelf. What you are looking for is coloured black, square footprint about 4 inches x 4 inches.

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[Bejasus]

Hi Duncan, I have the Perko one fitted. Very similar to the ones recommended above. The good thing, is that it is in that order, and you do not have to go through Off to get from 1 to 2 or Both.

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[duncan]

thanks all - and Hoo for that last logical point!

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[roger]

In my view the 1,2, etc. switches are an invention of the devil. Sooner or later you or one of your crew will make a mistake and bang goes alternator or battery. I use 3 battries, each with an on off switch and wire the alternator through a low loss diode stack direct to the battery not through the switch. That way I cant make a serious mistake. You might note that that cars dont have battery isolating switchesat all and very few of them have problems.

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger

 

[andyball]

perko v.good, incl lockable ones, from asap supplies & others

blue sea ok too. & less bulky, also hella"red key" types....look like cheapies but cost more...limited to 100A continuous though, I think.

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[duncan]

understood Roger although in general as I am unlikely to have a set up more complicated than one engine, one battery and charging via the alternator it's as easy to fit one of these so that I can add a second battery with controlled access if I start getting a little heavy handed with the fridge and the livebait well in sweltering August! The default will be (1) and ony if that fails to start the engine will I use (2) - removing the battery for shore based charging upon return. As a day boat I am not too concerned about the fact that this will limit my ability to recharge a battery and, to be honest, without a more complex installation than I plan I am not going to maintain 2 batteries from teh one alternator very well anyhow.


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