| Written By - Jerry Labella - 05/14/2007 | |
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Link to Original Article here |
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It is, therefore, the foolish one who sees it as impractical having dual anything aboard a vessel, until left in a predicament. So while two is generally accepted as better than one, it can well be said that one may be no better than two, if the latter is improperly utilized.
For example, let's say you've been on an overnight fishing trip. Floodlights, bilge pump, aerator, spotlights, etc. have all been in active use the whole night. You have no electric generator for you are cleverly equipped with dual 12 volt batteries and switch.
Unfortunately, upon trying to crank the engine, you discover both batteries are dead due to the battery switch having been left in the "all" position, draining both batteries dead. This is the dilemma many find themselves in when managing their batteries with a battery switch alone. Also, if the battery switch was left in the "1" position (main cranking battery) while the "#2" (aux. battery) was drained from use, how will it be recharged by the alternator if the battery switch is not moved to either the "2" or "all" position?
Another problem with utilizing a battery switch alone for dual battery systems
is that when the boat is not in use for an extended period of time and the
battery switch is left in the "all" position, the weaker of the
two batteries can drain the the stronger one. An even more serious problem,
which can ruin the alternator, is placing the battery switch to the
"off" position while the boat's engine is running.
The simple fact is, dual battery switches alone leave too much to chance
