T&T: Engine Will Start Even if Selector Switch in "Off" Position

[Peter Bennett]

Sunday, October 12, 2008, 9:52:54 AM, Bob/Myrna wrote:

BMS> In the latest MTOA magazine, Bob Smith advises running on either battery
BMS> rather than both.  He then notes that often even if the selector switch is
BMS> "Off" one can start the engine.  In my case this has been proved correct.
BMS> What does this signify?  That is, does it mean that one cannot really
BMS> disconnect both banks even in the "off" position or??  Bob Siegel Annapolis

This depends on how the boat is wired.

If you have separate house and start batteries, and are referring to
the battery switch that feeds the house system, then turning that
switch will have no effect on the ability to start the engine.

It may be that your engine electrics are directly connected to one
battery, and the battery switch just affects the house system.

I feel that it is very important to draw a wiring diagram showing how
the batteries, battery switches, and related items (charger, inverter,
engine...) are connected, so you will know what switches will affect
which loads or batteries.


-- 
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI    Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Ennos 31 "Honeycomb"
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter 
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca