Perko 8501DP Battery Selector Switch, 250 Amp Continuous, 12/24/32 Volt Marine

The Perko 8501DP Battery Selector Switch lets boat owners choose between two or more batteries for starting, charging, or running both batteries in parallel. It is designed for use with 12, 24, and 32 volt marine electrical systems under 50 volts, making it suitable for a wide range of single-engine boats. For dual-engine systems, two switches are used, one per engine.

The switch offers a four-position OFF-NONE-ON-ON operation mode, giving the operator clear control over which battery bank is active at any time. It is rated for 250 amps continuous and 360 amps intermittent, covering the demands of typical marine electrical loads including starting and house circuits. The switch is ignition protected, so it is built to the standards required for installation in the engine compartments of gasoline powered boats. When used with non-unitized alternators, the switch interrupts the field current if turned OFF while the engine is running, reducing the risk of alternator damage.

Housed in red plastic with a rotary knob actuator, the switch mounts to a panel and connects via clamp-style terminals sized to accept marine cable. Overall dimensions are 5-1/2 inches in diameter by 2-5/8 inches deep.

Specifications

• Brand: Perko
• Manufacturer Part Number: 8501DP
• Operation Mode: OFF-NONE-ON-ON
• Number of Positions: 4
• Current Rating: 250 Amps continuous, 360 Amps intermittent
• Operating Voltage: 12, 24, and 32 Volt systems (under 50 volts)
• Ignition Protection: Ignition protected
• Switch Type: Rotary
• Mounting Type: Panel mount
• Terminal / Connector Type: Clamp, marine terminal
• Material: Plastic housing, alloy steel contacts
• Color: Red
• Ingress Protection Rating: IP54
• Dimensions: 5-1/2 inches diameter x 2-5/8 inches depth
• Weight: 0.85 pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Perko 8501DP used for? The Perko 8501DP is a battery selector switch used to choose between two or more batteries on a boat for starting, charging, or running both batteries together in parallel.

What voltage systems does the 8501DP support? It is built for 12, 24, and 32 volt marine electrical systems, and is rated for use on systems under 50 volts.

How many amps can the 8501DP handle? 250 amps continuous and 360 amps intermittent, which covers typical starting and house circuit loads on a boat.

Is the Perko 8501DP safe to install in a gasoline engine room? Yes, the 8501DP is ignition protected, meaning it meets the standard required for installation in the engine rooms of gasoline powered boats.

Do I need one switch or two for a dual-engine boat? For dual-engine systems, two 8501DP switches are used, one per engine, while a single switch covers a single-engine boat.

What happens if I turn the 8501DP off while the engine is running? When used with non-unitized alternators, turning the 8501DP to OFF while the engine is running interrupts the alternator field current, reducing the risk of alternator damage.

What are the switch positions on the 8501DP? The 8501DP has four positions: OFF-NONE-ON-ON, allowing selection between battery banks or combined operation.

What size is the Perko 8501DP? The 8501DP measures 5-1/2 inches in diameter by 2-5/8 inches deep and weighs 0.85 pounds.

What material is the 8501DP switch made of? The 8501DP has a plastic housing with alloy steel contacts and a red rotary knob actuator.

How does the 8501DP mount and wire in? The 8501DP is a panel-mount switch with clamp-style terminals sized for marine cable connections.

What color is the Perko 8501DP? The 8501DP is finished in red, the standard color for this Perko battery selector switch.