Overview

The Attwood Marine 14230-3 is a 4-way battery selector switch for 6V to 32V DC systems that lets you run from battery 1, battery 2, both batteries in parallel, or switch the system fully off. It is a single-pole, triple-throw manual switch, so it fits the common job of separating a start battery from a house battery on a single-engine boat while still giving you an emergency combine position.

This switch makes sense where cable runs need to stay short and service access matters. It uses a Bakelite housing with brass terminals and brass nuts, and it has positive click positions that make it easier to confirm the selected setting at a glance.

It is a good match for center consoles, small cruisers, workboats, and sailboats that use separate start and house batteries and want direct manual control at the electrical panel or in the battery compartment.

Key features

• 4-way selector positions: battery 1, battery 2, both batteries, or off
• Works with 6V to 32V DC systems
• Single-pole, triple-throw switching for manual battery bank selection
• Built-in field circuit terminals for alternator field disconnect wiring where that setup is used
• Positive click positions help confirm switch position during normal use and troubleshooting
• Bakelite housing with brass terminals and brass nuts

Installation and setup

Mount the switch on a flat surface, high in the bilge or in another protected service area, with the shortest practical cable run to the starter and battery banks. That helps keep voltage drop under control and leaves the back of the switch easier to inspect. Use properly insulated marine cable terminals and support the cables so the terminal studs are not carrying wire strain.

This switch is fastened with three mounting screws or other suitable fasteners for the surface. If you are replacing an older switch, disconnect the positive feed at the battery before moving any cables.

Electrical and system integration

In a single-engine setup, this switch can keep one battery reserved for starting while the second battery carries house loads such as electronics, pumps, and lighting. The Both position gives you a manual parallel connection for emergency starting or backup use when one bank is low.

The selected switch position also determines which battery receives charge while the engine is running, and the 1+2 position charges both batteries. The field circuit terminals are there for alternator field disconnect wiring on systems that use that arrangement. Do not rotate the switch to Off while the engine is running.