Considered as safety equipment, a battery switch is essential when sailing. As the name clearly implies, this accessory allows the boat’s power supply to be cut off in the event of a problem. In this way, it is important that it is reliable. Here is what you need to do to choose the right one.
What is the purpose of a battery switch?
First of all, it is important to know what a battery switch really is. As the name suggests, it is a safety device designed to manage the boat’s electrical installation. Its main role is to disconnect the batteries from the electrical supply circuit in the event of an incident. Indeed, it is essential to avoid any risk of electrocution, as the intensity of a boat is in most cases very high.
Many users opt for a battery switch for powering a boat. The accessory is glued directly to the boat’s “+” output. Please note that at a certain power level of the boat, the use of this safety accessory is mandatory.
The difference between a battery switch and a battery selector switch
Sometimes a battery switch is confused with a selector switch. However, these two pieces of equipment are not the same. While the battery switch is used to cut off the total power supply to the boat, the battery selector is used to direct the power supply to the batteries. The connection of the different elements can be done by placing a few numbers of individual battery switches.
Single or double pole battery switch?
In order to make the right choice, it is very important to know that this equipment exists in 2 distinct types: the single-pole and the double-pole battery switch. The first type makes the difference by having only 2 positions: ON and OFF. This is especially known to be very practical in use. To use it, all you have to do is press it. On the other hand, for the bipolar type, it has many positions. This sophisticated type allows you to do many things. In addition to switching the on-board electrical circuit on or off, some models can protect you against battery discharge.
The choice between these two types is obviously based on your needs. If you have difficulty in choosing the right one, it is best to call on a professional in the field.
Criteria to take into account
In order not to make a mistake in your choice, it is necessary to take into account several parameters. Firstly, it is important to take into account its power capacity, which guarantees its good performance. It is also essential to read the technical characteristics of the model to ensure that it is perfectly suited to your needs.
The choice of brand is also an important point not to be underestimated before buying a battery switch. It is always best to choose a reputable manufacturer. This is of course a guarantee for the reliability of the equipment.
