Do you turn off your DC battery solenoids?

mooredriven said:
My question generated more responses than expected. I'm surprised that a majority didn't prevail.

First, regarding the confusion over the term "solenoid". Above my rocker switches on the distribution panel, it says "main battery solenoids". I guess it's possible that some boats may have a different label for their DC power.

We use our boat almost every weekend in the summer, and at least once per month in the winter. I've always turned off my DC power and left both AC switches on with the battery charger, refrigerator and AC/Heating unit on. We also leave our shore cables plugged in all the time. This is true of every boat in our marina. I know not every boat leaves power running to their boat (breaker switches off), but all have shore cables connected.

I appreciate everyone's responses.

Thanks,
Dale
Click to expand...


EXACTLY WHAT WE DO....:thumbsup:
 
Perhaps it changes with different models and boat years.

Here is how it works on mine.

Both Battery switches set to off will disable all DC activity available on the DC panel switches in the the cabin.

From what I know, only the emergency bilge pump(DC operated) is not affected by these switches, and that makes sense in case of a bilge flooding situation. I think the blower may still work with the switches off, have to check that.

Once these Battery switches are on, I have full access to all switches available to the DC panel. Cabin lights, water pump, head system, engine ignition, macerator, helm intruments, etc. If the main DC battery switches are off, then none of the breakers under DC will work as the DC shows Zero voltage.

I think it of the same as the AC side. Unplugged and nothing on the AC panel will work. The Battery switches unplug the DC side of your boat. Since I do not run any DC functions when off the boat, I turn the main DC switches off. Might not be necessary since all of the DC breakers are off anyway, just the way I do it.

The AC shore power side continue to run outlets/fridge, AC, and battery charger circuits only while I am away.
 
Uplate said:
Perhaps it changes with different models and boat years.

Here is how it works on mine.

Both Battery switches set to off will disable all DC activity available on the DC panel switches in the the cabin.

From what I know, only the emergency bilge pump(DC operated) is not affected by these switches, and that makes sense in case of a bilge flooding situation. I think the blower may still work with the switches off, have to check that.

Once these Battery switches are on, I have full access to all switches available to the DC panel. Cabin lights, water pump, head system, engine ignition, macerator, helm intruments, etc. If the main DC battery switches are off, then none of the breakers under DC will work as the DC shows Zero voltage.

I think it of the same as the AC side. Unplugged and nothing on the AC panel will work. The Battery switches unplug the DC side of your boat. Since I do not run any DC functions when off the boat, I turn the main DC switches off. Might not be necessary since all of the DC breakers are off anyway, just the way I do it.

The AC shore power side continue to run outlets/fridge, AC, and battery charger circuits only while I am away.
Click to expand...

DITTO.....:thumbsup:
 
When I turn my Battery Switches on in the cabin on the main panel, I hear loud clicks in the ER. I think mine are solenoids.
 
Hampton said:
When I turn my Battery Switches on in the cabin on the main panel, I hear loud clicks in the ER. I think mine are solenoids.
Click to expand...

Wish my hearing was as good......:grin:
 
LTD.330 said:
Thanks for the update Dale. Do you have switches similar to these somewhere on your boat?

7808819.jpg
Click to expand...

No. I don't have these on my boat.
 
See - I can save the food and the boat. (Thanks for the info.)
 
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