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

[Larry N. Brown]

> Before you turn off the selector switch and start the engine, turn off the
> engine and battery chargers and then check power at the alternator output
> stud while switching any switches you want.  When you lose power at the
> alternator, you know you have found a switch you should not move while the
> engine is running.
>
> Rich Gano
> CALYPSO (GB-42 #295)


There are certainly many design philosophies out there for engine/battery 
systems and here's one of them. I wanted to (1) insure that I had a hot 
battery to crank each main and the genset, and (2) didn't want to 
accidentally smoke an alternator and (3) I wanted a system that was 
"brother-in-law proof". Hey, Biff, run down in the engine room and make sure 
the battery switch is. . .?!

To this end, I installed a GP-31 maintenance free battery for port and 
starboard main and genset. Overkill for the generator but standardization 
was also an element. Three batteries and three switches. SPST BEP 720 
switches-- http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=3139830 -- rated at 
full cranking load for my machinery. Notice the switches are labeled OFF and 
ON. No 1,2 both. If the switch is off, the engine won't crank; if it will 
crank, the alternator has juice. It's not impossible but you have to really 
work at it to fry an alternator.

I purchased a set of Sears most expensive, heavy duty jumper cables for 
paralleling operations. Only time I've needed them so far is to crank 
another guy's OB from mine. Simple system if you have the space.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: 64 Cypress Road
          Covington, LA