DC Battery Selector Switch Labels

[Grahambda]

On our new, to us, DF44 Trawler, the DC battery selector switch on the panel is missing (see photo attached), looks to be a Cole Hersee switch- so will order one of those. Interesting labeling though - I can only assume 4 positions - OFF, ENGINE (assume cranking batts), BOTH, and HOUSE (labeled Service). The handwritten notes that came with the boat warned that this switch needs to be set to "service" at all times, which is odd to me. Any comments?

Thanks,

Graham

 

[Bacchus]

If it were me I would be researching / tracing hook up from rear of sw to understand what various positions are connecting.
I'm a bit confused how a normally OFF position could be connected to House?
I'd also want to know what "Service" is / does?

 

[Bmarler]

My assumption would be that this selector decides what batteries to power the house panel.
They said leave it on service so you don’t deplete the starting battery. Both position should serve as an emergency power setting. Possibly for starting, possibly just for powering the house panel.
This is all assumption. You should investigate to be certain.

 

[Comodave]

Who knows what the add on labels mean. The really only way to know for sure is to trace out the battery cables and see where they go. Then label it logically.

 

[Carova]

I believe I would be switch shopping

 

[Comodave]

How do you even know what it is set to?

 

[Grahambda]

Batt switch

How do you even know what it is set to?

If you look closely there is an arrow marked with a sharpie on stem.

 

[Grahambda]

Batt switch

Who knows what the add on labels mean. The really only way to know for sure is to trace out the battery cables and see where they go. Then label it logically.

Yep, have to break out the multimeter and start tracing.

 

[kchace]

I had the same switch in my DF44 and it started to overheat! Those older switches used in the DF44's are fairly light duty. Considering its age, I recommend replacing it.

Ken

 

[Shrew]

I believe that the switch was removed specifically to prevent it from accidentally getting switched to a setting other than 'Service'.

My guess is that they installed one or more Automatic Charging Relays, but didn't remove the switch itself. Maybe the switch is nothing but an ON/OFF for the DC system.

I'd start with the batteries and start following things around. Keep a good wad of large zip ties and a wire cutter. I wouldn't be afraid to open wiring runs to chase circuits, then clean things up when you're done.

 

[rgano]

If it were me I would be researching / tracing hook up from rear of sw to understand what various positions are connecting.
I'm a bit confused how a normally OFF position could be connected to House?
I'd also want to know what "Service" is / does?

Yup, DITTO

 

[Grahambda]

I believe that the switch was removed specifically to prevent it from accidentally getting switched to a setting other than 'Service'.

My guess is that they installed one or more Automatic Charging Relays, but didn't remove the switch itself. Maybe the switch is nothing but an ON/OFF for the DC system.

I'd start with the batteries and start following things around. Keep a good wad of large zip ties and a wire cutter. I wouldn't be afraid to open wiring runs to chase circuits, then clean things up when you're done.

Good point, I plan to install a new inverter charger (Victron MultiPlus II) so that means going over all of the batt connections and switches. I am sure there are a couple of miles of redundant wiring throughout - so clean-up time.

 

[Iggy]

If it were me I would be researching / tracing hook up from rear of sw to understand what various positions are connecting.
I'm a bit confused how a normally OFF position could be connected to House?
I'd also want to know what "Service" is / does?

What he said.