Battery Switch on a sport cruiser..just a switch or does it have diodes?

[ejbpesca]

Does the 1-2-BOTH-OFF battery switch on a Sport Cruiser like a 250/260/270 etc. have a diode in it that prevents unwanted current flow? Or..is it nothing but metal to metal switching to make connections as you rotate the knob?

 

[JimG]

They are just a switch... no diodes.

Do not switch to OFF when the boat is running. You could damage your alternator. You can switch from 1 -both - 2 while running... just don't go through the OFF position to get there.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

As mentioned above, just a contact switch to isolate each battery and isolate from current draw in the off position. Jim G is right in saying NOT to cycle the switch when engine is running, this may burn out the diodes in the alternator.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The above information is correct, but with one caveat... IF it's not the original switch and a prior owner replaced it with a less expensive model, you MAY have a model that is not "make before break". Meaning, you shouldn't switch between 1-2-Both, either. If you're not sure - google the brand/model of the switch.

 

[JVM225]

My rule of thumb is to not touch the switches when the motors are running.