Perko Switch run-down

[jpetty3023]

Can one of you stereo guru's give me a quick run down on how the perko is suppose to work. Reason im asking is my stereo guy did the install at the end of last season when he did the towers and second battery and second amp.

I usually turn switch to 2 and let the stereo go and I have never had problems yet but the other day I forgot to turn the perko switch on and the stereo was working off the stereo and acc switch.

I thought if the perko was moved to the off position all power should be off and stereo system wouldn't power up


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[New Guy]

Was it just the head unit that powered up? If so they might have hooked that direct to keep the memory on you radio stations.

[jpetty3023]

No sir, speakers to.


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[bzubke1]

Everything that would go to the positive of your batteries should now be going to the common stud on the switch.

[bzubke1]

The only thing that should go to the batteries is the power wire from the switch and the grounds.

[kaneboats]

You can set it up other ways where just your stereo runs on battery #2. But, mine is as described above. Everything on the common stud. Battery 1 runs everything and 2 is isolated. If I run #1 dead I switch to #2 and I'm good to go. I charge #1 full during the week and then switch to "both" and keep charging till both are topped up (that way I don't have to take the cover off #2 to charge it). Then I switch back to #1, test fire in the driveway, and head out for the water.

[jpetty3023]

Yes the boat did start with the perko in the off position. That's how i noticed "I think this might not be hooked up right". Boat started, tunes Going, perko in off position I'm not sure I fully understand how it should work.

Battery 1 is the battery that came with boat and should be used to start boat only, this is what I asked the installer to do anyways.

Battery 2 was bought when I bought the perko, towers, and 2nd amp and I THOUGHT all electronics would run off of battery 2. Thus saving battery 1 for starts on the water.

Normal routine is get the boat off trailer and in the water. While wifey is parking truck I get radio going etc and switch perko to 2, again I thought this would safe guard battery 1 to ensure starts.

Sounds like perko not hooked up right or am I not fully understanding the purpose/capabilities of the perko


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[bzubke1]

I had this exact same thing happen to me. The installer left the power wire coming from the engine attached to your stock battery most likely, that's why it will start regardless of where the switch is. I assume because it's a pita he didnt put a new ring terminal on the power wire and attach it to the common stud on the switch.

[jpetty3023]

So basically the way it sits now it's worthless?

Tell me if I'm wrong but if I have the switch set to 2 then I should only be drawing power from battery 2 while listening to stereo and battery 1 stays charged? I'm not sure if that is happening now. Also, when should I move the switch to ALL and what does that accomplish? Charge both batteries I assume


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[kaneboats]

Yes, on 1 or 2 they should be isolated. On "all" you can charge both -- or run on both but that to me defeats the purpose.