The battery switch is a battery-management component that allows you to charge and run your boat’s electrical components from a single battery. If you’re like most boaters, you have a battery charger and you run lights, electronics, and other appliances from your batteries, even when the engine is not running. That’s why you need one of these battery switches. A battery switch automatically disconnects one battery from being used to start the engine and allows you to run lights, electronics, and other appliances from a single battery, even when the engine is not running.
To help you select the best boat battery switches for your needs, we’ve turned to customer reviews on Amazon, where thousands of boaters have left ratings and rave reviews for their favorite products. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have dozens of glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.
Read on for the best boat battery switches.
Our Editor’s Best Boat Battery Switches Reviews
- Permits selection between batteries for starting, charging or operation in parallel
- For use with two or more batteries and systems under 50V
- UL listed, ignition protected and CE approved
- Capacity: 250A continuous, 360A intermittent
- Size: 5-1/4 inch x 2-5/8 inch
- Blue Sea Systems Battery Switch m-Series ON/OFF with Knob, part number 6006, is a Single Circuit ON-OFF switch. Switches a single battery to a single load group
- IP66 waterproof, ISO 8846 and meets ABYC requirements. Ignition protected—safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats
- Make before break contact design allows switching between battery banks without power interruption
- Continuous Rating: 300A, Maximum Voltage: 48V DC
- Robust redesign done in July 2017. Premium warranty & support
- Heavy Duty: ABS plastic housing, durable made for safety use, rear cover insulates terminals against any short of circuits, equipped with 4 sets of bolts.
- Operation: On/Off 2 positions, 275 A continuous at DC 12V, 455 A intermittent at DC 12V, 1250 A momentary at DC 12V.
- Compatible: used for DC 12 - 48V systems to isolate and secure the electrical system, can stand alone or be locked together with other switch.Its purpose is to eliminate any power draw from the battery when vehicle or boat is not in use, disconnects the battery safely.
- Widely used for car, marine boat, RV, camper, travel trailer, truck, ATV, UTV, battery banks and other devices.
- Package include:1x On/Off battery switch,4 bolts incuded.
- Selector 4 Position. Switches isolated battery banks to all loads or combines battery banks to all loads
- Ignition protected—safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats
- IP66 waterproof, ISO 8846 and meets ABYC requirements
- Terminal Stud Size: 3/8" - 16
- Continuous rating: 350A, Maximum voltage: 32V DC
- Heavy Duty: ABS plastic housing, durable made for safety use, rear cover insulates terminals against any short of circuits, equiped with 4 sets of bolts.
- Specification: On/Off 2 positions, 275 A continuous at DC 12V, 455 A intermittent at DC 12V, 1250 A momentary at DC 12V.
- Compatible: used for DC 12 - 48 V systems to isolate and secure the electrical system, can stand alone or be locked together with other switch.
- Purpose: eliminate any power draw from the battery when vehicle or boat is not in use, disconnects the battery safely.
- Copper terminal stud size: 3/8" (10 mm) x 2, very easy to install, universal used for car, vehicle, Rv and boat, also electrical equipment's switch.
- MATERIAL: RV Battery Disconnect Switch 12V made of ABS plastic housing, and the 4 sets of bolts are tinned copper studs(2 x 3/8" (10mm) & nuts for ignition protected to distinguish the different gears easily which you switch to even at night.
- EASY OPERATION: The Marine Battery Switch with On/Off position in clear color labels. Switch ON=Power (green) to the closed circuit, Switch OFF = No power (red) to the cut-off circuit.
- COMPATIBLE: Used for 12-48V, 275 A continuous at DC 12V, 455 A intermittent at DC 12V, 1250 A momentary at DC 12V, battery selector 12V switch can stand alone or be locked together with other switches for minimizing battery loss and preventing electric leakage effectively.
- SAFE & PROTECTIVE: The Battery Isolator Switch comes with CE Certification, and 4 removable side plates, the rear cover insulates terminals against any short circuit.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Kohree Battery Cut Off Switch 12V serves as a power cut-off when a vehicle or boat is not in use on RV, ATV, car, marine boat, camper, camper, travel trailer, truck, UTV, etc.
- WATERPROOF & STURDY: The heavy duty cut off switch is made of ABS plastic housing and copper tin plating inner stud. Fully enclosed design to protect wiring from dirt, corrosion, and rain.
- SAFETY PROTECTION: This battery on off switch can isolate and secure the electrical system; eliminate any power draw from the battery when vehicle is not in use, disconnects the battery safely; provide a reliable way to shutdown electrical power during maintenance and protect batteries from excessive drain
- ROTATE BUTTON FOR EASY OPERATION: On/Off 2 position, Suitable for various 12V 24V 36V 48V systems. Rating: 275A DC Continuous (1hr), 455A DC Intermittent (5 min), 1250A DC Cranking (10 sec). Clockwise to turn on , counter clockwise to turn off
- WIDE APPLICATION: This master battery shut off switch is universal used for RV, Marine, Car, Boat, Camper, Travel Trailer, Truck, ATV, UTV battery and other engine application, makes it an effortless job of turning the battery on and off
- PACKAGE INCLUDE: Equiped with 1* Battery Switch, 4 Pcs Mounting Bolts, 4 Pcs 2*3/8 Copper Ring Terminals, 4 Pcs Heat Shrink Tubings and a hex wrench, which can provide great convenience for your installation.
- Easy Installation: The side post design and removable bolts make the installation process more straightforward, eliminating the need for additional battery cables or connectors; direct connection to the battery is sufficient.
- High Flexibility: The removable bolts allow for easier maintenance and replacement of the switch, enabling users to adapt to different environments.
- Enhanced Connection Stability: The design ensures a secure connection to the battery, reducing the risk of poor electrical contact and improving system stability.
- Versatile Application: This design enables the switch to be used in various scenarios, such as boats, RVs, and campers, providing reliable power management and isolation solutions.
- Durability: The combination of side posts and removable bolts enhances the overall strength and durability of the switch, ensuring stable operation even in harsh environments.
- (Before purchasing, please note whether the hole size of the product is suitable for your car battery model!)【Complete Battery Control】The battery disconnect switch features a power-off function to accommodate various vehicle models, helping to optimize battery life and performance. Designed for trucks and cars, it supports both 12V and 24V systems, making it a reliable battery power off switch for a wide range of applications.
- 【Reliable Material】Made of pure copper for excellent conductivity and durability, this robust kill switch for car delivers consistent performance even in demanding conditions. It provides long-lasting protection for your vehicle’s electrical system, making it a dependable battery cut off switch 12V users can trust.
- 【Enhanced Connection Stability】The high-current battery power off switch ensures a secure connection to the battery, reducing the risk of poor electrical contact and improving overall system stability. Protect your vehicle’s electrical system with confidence using this high-performance battery cut off switch 12V.
- 【Durability】Our car battery disconnect switch extends battery life and reduces energy consumption in your vehicle. Its anti-leakage protection mechanism prevents accidental battery discharge, ensuring safety during parking and operation. Experience enhanced energy efficiency with this essential battery kill switch for your vehicle.
- 【Portable & Versatile Use】The removable bolt simplifies maintenance and replacement, making this battery disconnect switch easy to use in various applications, including boats, RVs, and campers. It offers reliable power management and isolation solutions. With its simple, user-friendly design, users can quickly disconnect power, facilitating easy battery removal, replacement, or repair.
- For use with 12, 24 and 32 Volt Marine Electrical Systems
- Capacity - 250 AMPS Continuous, 360 AMPS Intermittent
- Ignition Protected
- Built with quality materials
Best Boat Battery Switches Buying Guide
Before choosing the best boat battery switches you should consider following options:
1. Automatic Switches: Automatic switches are designed to turn ON the battery bank when the shore power is disconnected. This is achieved by sensing the voltage of the incoming AC from the shore and switching ON the battery bank when the voltage falls below a preset limit.
Advantages:
a. Prevents the battery bank from over-discharging.
b. Reduces the need for maintenance.
c. Aids in keeping the batteries fresh when they are not in use.
Disadvantages:
a. The automatic switch may not detect the loss of AC power if it is disconnected slowly.
b. The battery bank may not be able to power essential items in an emergency if the automatic switch is set too low.
2. Manual Switches: A manual switch is used to connect the battery bank to the loads when the AC power is disconnected.
Advantages:
a. Allows the battery bank to be used when AC power is disconnected, even if the automatic switch is set too low.
b. Easy to set to the desired voltage level.
Disadvantages:
a. Requires regular checks and adjustments.
b. Potentially dangerous, as the battery bank may be connected to the loads even when AC power is connected.
3. Non-Disconnectable Switches: This manual switch is designed to control the battery bank in the event of AC power failure. The switch can be turned ON only when the AC power is switched off.
Advantages:
a. The switch is easy to operate.
b. Prevents the battery bank from being accidentally connected to the AC loads.
Disadvantages:
a. May not be able to power essential items in an emergency.
b. Requires regular checks and adjustments.
4. Dual Battery Bank: This setup uses two 12-volt batteries in series to form a 24-volt battery bank. The dual battery bank is connected to essential loads, while the starter battery bank is used to start the engine and run the auxiliary equipment.
Advantages:
a. Provides enough power to run essential loads even when one of the batteries is discharged.
b. Easy to wire.
c. Cheaper than a larger battery bank.
Disadvantages:
a. Potentially dangerous, as both batteries are used at the same time.
b. Battery bank may not last as long as two single batteries connected in parallel.
c. Requires regular checks and adjustments.
5. Parallel Bank: This type of battery bank uses two 12-volt batteries in parallel to form a 24-volt bank. The parallel battery bank is connected to the essential loads.
Advantages:
a. Longer battery life.
b. Less maintenance.
c. Cheaper than a dual battery bank.
Disadvantages:
a. Potentially dangerous, as both batteries are used at the same time.
b. Requires regular checks and adjustments.
c. Takes up more space than a dual battery bank.
What else you should know about boat battery switches
1. What is a boat battery switch?
A boat battery switch is a switch that is used to turn the battery on and off.
2. How does a boat battery switch work?
A boat battery switch is a device that is used to turn the power on and off to the boat battery. It is usually located in the engine compartment or near the battery.
3. Why is a boat battery switch important?
A boat battery switch is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to isolate the battery so that you can work on it without having to worry about electrical shocks. Second, it prevents the battery from accidentally being discharged, which could damage the boat. Finally, it makes it easier to keep track of the battery’s charge level so that you can ensure it is always ready to go.
4. How do I install a boat battery switch?
There are many ways to install a boat battery switch, but the most common and recommended way is to use marine-grade battery terminals. First, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Next, using a battery terminal wrench, remove the positive (+) terminal from the battery. Now, take the battery switch and connect the negative (-) terminal of the battery to the negative (-) terminal of the switch. Finally, connect the positive (+) terminal of the battery to the positive (+) terminal of the switch.
5. What are the benefits of having a boat battery switch?
There are many benefits to having a boat battery switch. A boat battery switch allows you to easily and quickly change between different batteries, which can be helpful if one battery dies or if you want to use a different battery for a different purpose. A boat battery switch can also help to prevent battery theft, as it can be difficult for someone to steal a battery if it is not easily accessible.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best boat battery switches. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best boat battery switches will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.