T&T: Battery switches (was Engine Will Start Even if Selector ...)

[Truelove39 at aol.com]

Hi Mark -
 
I'm always suspicious of miniaturization and so did a bit of research into  
these BS switches which at first blush seem to be noit only smaller, but rated  
for more current than the old "standard" Cole-Hersee battery switches.
 
Whereas the Blue Sea M-series switches may be have proven adequate this far  
in your experience, it might be worth noting that they are, in Blue Seas'  
words, "...for outboards and small inboard gasoline engines."
 
 
Also noteworthy is their switch ratings are rated for 4/0 cable and they  
state: "Reducing cable sizes will reduce current ratings." I think it unlikely  
that 4/0 would be used for outboards and small inboard gasoline engines," so 
I'd  think de-rating would be in order on many installations.
 

It's also interesting, and a bit disconcerting, that Blue Sea has taken it  
upon itself to create their own standard!
 
"Blue Sea Systems has created an additional standard called the Engine  
Starting Standard. The Engine Starting Standard is 10 cycles, each consisting of  
an Inrush Current spike of 1/4 second duration, a Cranking period of 9-3/4  
seconds duration, and a 2 second rest period for a total of 120 seconds. This is  
representative of the load imposed on a battery switch in the starting 
circuit  under very difficult starting conditions. Blue Sea
Systems battery switches,  in addition to being tested to UL 1107..."
 
Then they go on to state: "UL Listed - UL 1107 electric power switches  
(pending testing)"
Hmmm...
 
Regards,
 
John
"Seahorse"
 
 
> Even the very small Blue Sea Systems m-series battery switches (p/n  6005,
for example) are rated 300 amps continuous, 500 amps for 5 minutes, 700  amps
for 100 seconds, and 1500 amps for 2.5 seconds.  Blue Sea battery  switches
in several sizes and styles are widely available, and cost less than  most
brands even if purchased from West.  I've been using them for a  long time,

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