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Cable gage for new battery selector switch?
cindalyn	#1  Posted on 06/06/09 - 10:43 AM
Member Posts: 7 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/27/07	I'm going to install a Bluesea 9001e battery selector switch to the boat. From what I have researched, the Blueseas switch appears to be one of the best. Does anyone know of any problems with this switch? What size battery cables do I need to use. There will be less than 4 ft. between the batteries and the switch. I was going to use 2 ga. but need to know if that is too large. Ron
CES	#2  Posted on 06/06/09 - 12:46 PM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 2681 Comments: 7 Joined: 04/27/07	6 gauge wire is what is typically used for gas motor applications. If you used 2 gauge, you should be fine. Cliff 1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
Derwd24	#3  Posted on 06/06/09 - 2:00 PM
Member Posts: 1607 Comments: 9 Joined: 05/09/07	I went with the Perko medium duty switch and haven't had any issues. Cliff's correct, better to be oversized than under with battery cable. Though your run is pretty short. The only thing to check beforehand is whether diameter is a issue where the cables enter the engine cowling. Sometimes the space there is very tight and a larger cable can present a challenge, you just don't want it jammed in there super tight. Dave - 1983 Outrage 22
Phil T	#4  Posted on 06/06/09 - 2:44 PM
Administrator Personal Page Personal Album Project Albums Posts: 6994 Comments: 6 Joined: 03/26/05	Ron - Nice to see you here. Dave has a good point, the larger the wire the less flex you have for routing. Given the load and distance, a 6 gauge (not 6/0) will be fine. For reference, I used 2 gauge to make the 15 ft run from the 90 hp engine to the starting battery in the console of my Montauk. 1992 Outrage 17 I 2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+ 2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
cindalyn	#5  Posted on 06/06/09 - 6:52 PM
Member Posts: 7 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/27/07	Thank you. Maybe I'll compromise and go with 4 ga. wire. Phil, I previously sent you an email on this subject - no need to reply. Ron
theo	#6  Posted on 06/08/09 - 9:56 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 252 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/26/08	I had the Blue Seas switch under the hood of my Land Cruiser for a few years, then transferred it over to my whaler. It's very well built and should last a very time. Ted 1985 15' CC, 1994 60 hp Merc (Wednesday built), 5" jack plate
cindalyn	#7  Posted on 06/08/09 - 11:36 AM
Member Posts: 7 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/27/07	Thanks everyone. I just ordered the Bluesea switch & 4 ga, cables.