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Old 04-01-2011, 09:24 PM   #1
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12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

Here is a look at part of the interior of the 28 year old main panel 12 volt switch that I just removed and replaced with a new switch.* I can see why it did not work so good all the time.* It appears there was some arching going on at some time in it's life.* The switch is pretty heavy duty but the years took their toll.*
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Old 04-02-2011, 09:00 AM   #2
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

Here's a picture of our 120 VAC switch that failed last year.* We were lucky that we were on board.* Looks like the same manufacturer.
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Old 04-02-2011, 12:38 PM   #3
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

As a general rule, it is best to switch off all individual loads before shutting off the main switch or breaker.*This minimizes or eliminates any current through the switch, and prevents arcing.*

The inverse should be followed when powering up. Turn on the main switch or breaker, and then individual loads.*
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Old 04-03-2011, 12:32 PM   #4
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

Many of the older boars do not have a breaker between the boat shore plug in and the main AC selector switch which is the main cause of electric fires.* So a double throw with polarity breakers should be installed.* Also a mentioned above turn off the high amp demands before switching the main selector switch.
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Old 04-03-2011, 05:41 PM   #5
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

Larry

Good Advice on load shedding before switching. This also applies to onboard generators - start the generator under no load conditions, and make sure loads are turned off before switching to generator power. Reverse the process for shutdown - take all loads off the generator first before shutting it down. Shutting down under load in particular can generate some nasty transients in the generator, which can lead to failure.
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Old 04-03-2011, 08:24 PM   #6
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

Great advice from all. Before I changed my 12 volt main switch last week I would get a 9 or 10 volt reading on my GPS voltage alarm and sometime the GPS would turn off for no good reason. After seeing the inside of that old switch now I know why. Now I get over 12 good steady volts all the time with the new switch in place.
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Old 04-04-2011, 03:21 AM   #7
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RE: 12 Volt Electric Panel Main Multifunction Switch

"Now I get over 12 good steady volts all the time with the new switch in place."


Keep fixing , 12V is a dead battery ,

12.8v is what you need, and 14+v with the engine on is normal.
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