Boat Battery Switches, Terminals, Lugs, & Voltage Meters

Marine Battery Switches, Terminals, Lugs, & Voltage Meters Resources and Information

Functional boat battery switches, boat battery terminals, lugs, & voltage meters are essential for ensuring your boat’s electrical system remains in working condition, so you won’t get caught out on the water without power. Fortunately, PartsVu stocks an extensive selection of boat battery switches, boat terminals, lugs, & voltage meters to match your boat’s exact specifications. 

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories. You can also shop our broader selection of Electrical and Lighting Accessories for Boats or Boat Lighting Products and Accessories. Or browse Electrical Hardware & Accessories and Battery Switches.

Boat Battery Switches, Terminals, Lugs, & Voltage Meters FAQs

What are some of the key features of Blue Sea Systems’ battery switches?

Battery management is central to the safe operation of a boat or vehicle. A battery switch is required by ABYC in every boat with a battery over 800 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). This requirement exists so the potentially destructive energy in the batteries can be isolated in the event of a fire.

With involvement on the American Boating Yacht Council (ABYC) Electrical Component Project Committee, Blue Sea Systems is close to the source of standards for battery switches. The company's participation in the process means quick response when the standards and needs of boaters change.

What makes Ancor electrical products unique? 

Ancor was founded over forty years ago to provide wire and electrical products that are designed to withstand harsh corrosive environments. Ancor is the originator of Marine Grade® wire, which is built with features such as UV-resistant jacketing and individually tinned stranding. These innovations result in wring products that are ideal for the marine and mobile applications.

Ancor’s complete line of wire includes a variety of sizes and applications and every color recommended by ABYC standards. In addition, Ancor offers a full range of terminals, connectors, and wire management tools for any wiring project.

Ancor’s innovative line of NMEA 2000 cables and connectors feature unique color coding to simplify NMEA 2000 networking.

Ancor is dedicated to not just providing products, but providing innovative solutions for marine and mobile electrical projects.

What are the most common Blue Sea Systems battery switches? 

M-Series Manual Battery Switches

300 Amps continuous rating for outboards and small gasoline or diesel engines.

• Tin-plated copper studs for maximum conductivity and corrosion resistance
• Studs accept 3/8" (M10) ring terminals
• 7/8" (22mm) stud length accepts multiple cable terminals
• Blue Sea Systems one-piece terminal stud design never loosens over time
• Isolating cover with three snap-in side pieces protects rear contacts and allows wire access in any direction
• Case design allows surface, rear, or front panel mounting options
• Waterproof – rated IP66 from water projected in powerful jets

E-Series Manual Battery Switches

350 Amps continuous rating for inboard gasoline or diesel engines.

• Tin-plated copper studs for maximum conductivity and corrosion resistance
• Accepts up to 4/0 AWG battery cables
• Studs accept 3/8" (M10) ring terminals
• 7/8" (22mm) stud length accepts multiple cable terminals
• Blue Sea Systems one-piece terminal stud design never loosens over time
• Fits most Perko and Guest low amperage battery switch hole patterns
• Case design allows surface, rear, or front panel mounting options
• Tactile indicator conveys knob position by feel
• Waterproof – rated IP66 from water projected in powerful jets

HD-Series Manual Battery Switches

Up to 600 Amps continuous rating for large diesel engines.

• Tin-plated copper studs for maximum conductivity and corrosion resistance
• Accepts up to 4/0 AWG battery cables
• Studs accept 1/2" (M12) ring terminals
• 7/8" (22mm) stud length accepts multiple cable terminals
• Blue Sea Systems one-piece terminal stud design never loosens over time
• Fits most Perko and Guest low amperage battery switch hole patterns
• Case design allows surface, rear, or front panel mounting options
• Tactile indicator conveys knob position by feel
• Waterproof – rated IP66 from water projected in powerful jets

What makes Perko battery switches unique? 

Battery disconnect switches help manage the overall use of electrical power on board. They are used to connect or disconnect electrical devices from the electrical system. They help to prevent battery drain during periods of inactivity. They allow for a quick and easy way to shut down the entire electrical system in an emergency. An optional key lock helps to prevent unauthorized use of the vessel.

In addition to doing everything a battery disconnect switch does, battery selector switches permit battery selection (of two or more batteries) for specific purposes including starting engines, running accessories, or even recharging. They allow for the use of one or more batteries in systems with one or more engines and facilitate putting batteries in parallel for emergencies starting when one or both batteries are substantially discharged.

All Perko battery disconnect switches and battery selector switches are UL listed, ignition-protected and CE-approved. This means they have been tested and certified by a respected outside agency, are designed to be used safely in a bilge where explosive fumes may be present, and meet all the requirements for use and sale throughout the world.

Perko battery switches are designed for surface mounting. Standard duty switches have a bright red polycarbonate housing for safety with a large easy-to-turn black knob. The housing of the heavy-duty switches is red fiber-reinforced polycarbonate. Selector switches are designed with a "make before break" feature. This allows switching between the "1", the "all" and the "2" positions while the engine is running. Models with an "Alternator Field Disconnect" feature offer protection for Non-Unitized Alternators should the switch accidentally be turned to the "OFF" position with the engine running.

What are some of the key features of the Perko Compact Medium Duty Battery Selector Switch?

Perko 8511 Series compact battery selector switches use the same traditional Perko bolt pattern as the 8501 Series but with a smaller footprint. This makes for easy installation. These switches can be mounted in numerous locations & positions. And as ignition-protected switches, they can be installed in the engine rooms of gasoline-powered boats.

In addition to doing everything a battery disconnect switch does, battery selector switches permit battery selection (of two or more batteries) for specific purposes including starting engines, running accessories, or even recharging. They allow for the use of one or more batteries in systems with one or more engines and facilitate putting batteries in parallel for emergencies starting when one or both batteries are substantially discharged. Perko battery switches are designed for surface mounting. Standard duty switches have bright red polycarbonate reinforced housings for safety with large easy-to-turn black knobs. Selector switches are designed with a "make before break" feature. This allows switching between the "1", the "ALL" and the "2" positions while the engine is running. Versions of the 8511 Series switches offer additional features such as key lock security.

Four removable skirt panels allow for easy cable connection from different directions. High conductivity studs are long enough to handle more than 1 cable and strong enough for the torque needed for secure connections.

Like all Perko products, these time-proven switches are made in the USA.

• Higher Rating Capacity than the 8500 Series
• Requires 1/3rd less space to mount
• Same bolt pattern as popular 8500 Series
• Smooth, Positive 90° Rotary Position Selector
• Four removable skirt panels for easy cable access and mounting

What are some of the key features of the Perko Heavy Duty Battery Selector Switch with Alternator Field Disconnect?

Perko 8603 battery selector switches are among the most popular heavy-duty battery switches ever produced. Their use of the traditional Perko bolt circle makes for easy installation, whether new or as a replacement. These switches can be mounted in numerous locations. And as ignition-protected switches, they can be installed in the engine rooms of gasoline-powered boats.

These heavy-duty switches are rated at up to 380 amps continuous and 850 amps intermittent (see specifications). An alternator field disconnect feature is standard. The 90° rotation feature of the knob allows users to feel the switches' position in no-light situations and the classic shape of the knob makes it easy to turn.

In addition to doing everything a battery disconnect switch does, battery selector switches permit battery selection (of two or more batteries) for specific purposes including starting engines, running accessories, or even recharging. They allow for the use of one or more batteries in systems with one or more engines and facilitate putting batteries in parallel for emergencies starting when one or both batteries are substantially discharged. Perko battery switches are designed for surface mounting. Heavy-duty disconnect switches have bright red polycarbonate reinforced housings for safety with large easy-to-turn black knobs. The housing of the heavy-duty switches is red fiber-reinforced polycarbonate. Selector switches are designed with a "make before break" feature. This allows switching between the "1", the "ALL" and the "2" positions while the engine is running. Models with an "Alternator Field Disconnect" feature offer protection for Non-Unitized Alternators should the switch accidentally be turned to the "OFF" position with the engine running. High conductivity studs are long enough to handle more than 1 cable and strong enough for the torque needed for secure connections.