Overview

The Perko 9612DP is a compact medium duty main battery disconnect switch with key lock for 6 to 32 VDC marine electrical systems. It is an On/Off switch, not a battery selector, and it carries a 315 amp continuous rating with 450 amp intermittent capacity. The housing measures 4 in. wide by 4 in. high by 3 in. deep and uses 3/8 in. terminal studs.

This switch is ignition protected, so it can be installed in gasoline engine rooms when the wiring is done correctly. It uses the same bolt pattern as the Perko 8500 Series, needs about one-third less mounting space, and adds keyed security by locking in the OFF position.

Key features

• 6 to 32 VDC operating range for common 12V, 24V, and 32V marine systems
• 315 amp continuous rating and 450 amp intermittent rating for medium duty main battery disconnect use
• Ignition protected for use in gasoline engine room installations
• Key lock secures the switch in the OFF position and the key can be removed in the locked or unlocked position
• Same bolt pattern as the Perko 8500 Series for easier replacement work
• Requires about one-third less mounting space than the 8500 Series
• Four removable skirt panels help route cables from different directions during installation
• Polycarbonate body with brass terminals and 3/8 in. terminal studs

Installation and fit

The body is made for surface mounting on a flat surface. Four removable skirt panels let the installer bring battery cables in from different directions, which helps when space around the battery bank, console, or engine room bulkhead is limited. Perko specifies #10 pan head or round head mounting screws and 15 ft-lbs of torque on the terminal nuts.

For retrofit work, the shared 8500 Series bolt pattern can simplify replacement without reworking the mounting face. Keeping cable runs short is still the right approach for this type of switch, and in areas exposed to corrosion it makes sense to protect the terminal connections with an electrical coating.

Electrical use on board

This switch is used to connect or isolate the battery feed from the rest of the boat, which helps reduce battery drain during layup and gives you a fast full-system shutoff in an emergency. It is suitable for systems that run with alternators and generators within its 6 to 32 VDC range.

This version does not include alternator field disconnect. It is a good match for boats that need a straightforward main battery cutoff with keyed lockout rather than a multi-bank selector switch.