Battery Cable Requirements; Battery Switches And Multiple Batteries - BRP Evinrude Installation Manual

BOAT RIGGING
BATTERY INSTALLATION

Battery Cable Requirements

Evinrude outboards are shipped with stranded
copper battery cables for typical installations in
which the starting battery is close to the transom.
Specialized outboard installations with extended
length battery cables require an increased wire
size. Refer to the following table.
15–30 HP
1 to 10 Ft. 6 Gauge
(.3 to 3 m)
11 to 15 Ft. 4 Gauge
(3.4 to 4.6 m)
16 to 20 Ft. 2 Gauge
(4.9 to 6.1 m)
IMPORTANT:
Inadequate battery cables can
affect the performance of an outboard's high
amperage start circuit and the cranking speed of
the outboard. DO NOT use aluminum wire cables.
Use ONLY AWG stranded copper wire cables.
Battery Switches and Multiple
Batteries
A multiple battery setup, including marine battery
selector switches, can provide flexibility in single
and dual outboard installations.
Refer to Battery and Switch Wiring Diagrams
on p. 18 for battery connection options.
The battery selection function can be used for
emergency starting if a primary battery becomes
discharged.
The OFF position of the battery selector switch
can be used to minimize battery discharge during
periods of non-use.
Typical battery functions
Primary
•
Used as starting battery under normal operating
conditions.
•
Red (+) cable connected to battery switch.
•
Primary battery is charged by connection to
main red (+) outboard battery cable.
16
Dual outboard installations can utilize the oppos-
ing outboard's primary battery as a secondary bat-
tery for emergency starting only.
Secondary
•
Used as back-up starting battery under abnor-
mal operating conditions.
•
Red (+) cable connected to battery switch.
•
Secondary battery is charged independently
from primary battery.
40–300 HP
Accessory
4 Gauge
•
Not used as starting battery.
•
Isolated from outboard start function.
2 Gauge
•
No red (+) cable connected to battery switch.
Secondary and accessory batteries are often
1 Gauge
charged by an isolated battery charging circuit.
Refer to Auxiliary Battery Charging on p. 17.
Battery Switch Requirements
Battery switches must meet the following require-
ments.
•
The switch must be approved for marine use.
•
The switch should be a "make before break"
design.
•
Switch amperage rating should be adequate for
the outboard it will be used on.
•
Use one battery switch for each outboard
installed.
•
Use appropriately sized wire and terminals.
•
Use AWG stranded copper wire.
Battery Switch Location
•
Locate battery switch as close to the batteries
as possible.
•
Locate switch so that it cannot be accidently
bumped or switched.
•
Refer to the battery switch manufacturer's
installation instructions.
•
Fasten all battery switches to solid surfaces.
•
Route wiring as directly as possible.
•
Support the battery switch as needed to prevent
abrasion.
•
Use appropriate wiring and connectors.
•
Seal all connections and terminals with liquid
neoprene to prevent corrosion.
NOTICE
minals to prevent shorting.
Insulate all battery positive (+) ter-