Overview

The Perko 8502DP is a medium duty battery selector switch with key lock for 6 to 32V marine electrical systems. It is rated for 250 amps continuous and 360 amps intermittent, and it gives you one control point to select between battery banks, combine them for emergency starting, or shut the system down when the boat is not in use.

This switch uses Perko's traditional bolt circle, so it works well for new installs and for replacing many existing Perko selector switches. It is ignition protected for gasoline-powered engine rooms, surface mounted, and built with a polycarbonate body and brass terminals. The key lock adds security when the boat is unattended.

Key features

• For 6 to 32V marine electrical systems
• 250 amp continuous rating and 360 amp intermittent rating
• Ignition protected for use in gasoline-powered engine rooms
• Make-before-break switching between battery selections while the engine is running
• Surface-mount body on the traditional Perko bolt circle for easier replacement work
• Polycarbonate body with brass terminals and 5/16 in. terminal studs
• Body size of 5-1/4 in. diameter and 2-5/8 in. depth

Installation and fit

The housing size suits many bulkhead and panel locations where a full-size selector switch is easier to reach and turn under way. Surface mounting keeps the back terminals accessible, and the familiar bolt pattern helps when you are changing out an older switch in the same family.

The high-conductivity studs are long enough to handle more than one cable where the wiring layout calls for it. If your installation uses larger battery cables or needs more stand-off from the mounting surface, this switch family also accepts an optional spacer ring.

Electrical use on board

This switch makes sense on boats that separate a start battery from a house battery and want a manual way to manage both. It also fits setups where battery banks may need to be paralleled for emergency starting.

Because it is ignition protected, it can be mounted in gasoline engine spaces as well as other protected electrical locations on board. It is a practical match for runabouts, small cruisers, fishing boats, and sailboats that use a straightforward two-bank battery layout.