Perko Battery Switch, 6-32V, Ignition Protected, Surface Mount

Overview

This Perko battery switch range is a group of marine battery control switches for connecting, isolating, and selecting onboard battery banks. Depending on the selected model, the range covers compact medium duty selector switches, a heavy duty selector switch with alternator field disconnect, and a medium duty main battery disconnect switch with key lock security.

These switches are built for 6 to 32 VDC marine electrical systems and use polycarbonate bodies with brass terminals. Ratings vary by configuration, with compact selector models rated at 315 amps continuous and 450 amps for 5 minutes, the heavy duty selector rated at 380 amps continuous and 850 amps for 5 minutes, and the medium duty disconnect rated at 250 amps continuous and 360 amps for 5 minutes.

They suit surface-mounted installations where battery control needs to stay accessible at the helm, near the engine space, or close to the battery compartment. Ignition protected construction supports installation in gasoline engine rooms when the rest of the electrical installation is arranged correctly for the boat.

Key features

• Works with 6 to 32 VDC marine electrical systems, covering common 12V and 24V vessel setups.
• Ignition protected construction supports use in gasoline engine room locations.
• Polycarbonate body with brass terminals for a housing and connection layout suited to marine electrical service.
• Selector switch versions allow battery bank selection for starting, house loads, charging, or emergency parallel use.
• Compact selector versions are rated at 315 amps continuous and 450 amps for 5 minutes, with 3/8 inch terminal studs.
• The heavy duty selector version is rated at 380 amps continuous and 850 amps for 5 minutes, with 1/2 inch terminal studs and alternator field disconnect.
• The medium duty disconnect with key lock is rated at 250 amps continuous and 360 amps for 5 minutes, with 5/16 inch terminal studs.
• The make-before-break function on selector versions allows movement between 1, ALL, and 2 positions while the engine is running.
• Surface-mount format gives installers flexibility when replacing an older switch or setting up a new battery control location.

Variants

This product is offered in several Perko battery switch configurations. The variants differ by part number, catalog length option, switch duty level, selector or disconnect function, and the presence of key lock or alternator field disconnect features.

The compact selector versions share a 4 inch by 4 inch by 3 inch body size, 315 amp continuous rating, 450 amp 5-minute intermittent rating, and 3/8 inch terminal studs. The heavy duty selector and the medium duty disconnect use different ratings and terminal stud sizes, so the selected variant should match the vessel load, cable size, and battery control layout.

• 8511DP, Length 3-Inch: Compact medium duty battery selector switch without key lock. This version suits dual-battery selection where a smaller footprint and four-position selector control are needed.
• 8512DP, Length 2-1/4-Inch: Compact medium duty battery selector switch with key lock. The key lock adds control over switch access where unauthorized operation is a concern.
• 8603DP, Length 1-3/4-Inch: Heavy duty battery selector switch with alternator field disconnect. This version fits higher-current installations that need battery selection plus added protection for non-unitized alternators if the switch is turned off while the engine is running.
• 9602DP, Length 2-Inch: Medium duty main battery disconnect switch with key lock. This option is for simple on-off battery isolation rather than selecting between battery banks.

Installation and system fit

Use the selected switch within its amp rating and match the terminal stud size to the battery cable ends and the expected current load. The compact selector models use 3/8 inch terminal studs, the heavy duty selector uses 1/2 inch terminal studs, and the medium duty disconnect uses 5/16 inch terminal studs.

Selector versions are useful where the boat carries more than one battery bank and the operator needs to run on battery 1, battery 2, or both. The disconnect version is better suited to installations where the goal is a lockable main battery shutoff rather than battery bank selection.

Use cases on board

These switches are a practical fit for cruisers, fishing boats, and small commercial vessels that need clear manual control over battery power. They can help isolate the electrical system during storage, manage starting and house loads, or combine batteries for emergency starting when the selected switch supports that function.

Maintenance and care

Battery switch terminals should be kept clean, tight, and protected from corrosion as part of normal onboard electrical maintenance. After installation, check cable routing so heavy battery cables are supported and not pulling against the switch terminals during vibration, trailering, or rough-water operation.

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We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

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Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

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Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

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