Battery Switch Failure

[Headhunter]

Not having a good week. The battery switch fell apart in my hand Saturday. The good news is it was at the dock after a trip. I know this has been around a while and I will call Blue Seas tomorrow but I am wondering if this issue is solved or should I get an extra switch to keep on board? 

[Moderator]

See what Blue Seas has to say.  I have seen two reasons for the failures: Tightening the battery lugs so much that the whole switch cracks and falls apart later.. and tightening the mounting screws too much and cracking the base or housing.

Their customer service has been good, replacing switches in the past. This is not a recent problem, though.  Let us know what they say..

M1

[SCFD rtrd.]

  Chuck, when you replace the switch, take it apart first and attach the battery wires to the rear half while holding the back of the switch in your hand. Then stick the back half in the hole and replace the parts, then screw the front on. If it's replaced this way, you'll never brake or fracture the plastic parts while tightening the nuts that hold the battery wires.

[Headhunter]

Talked to Blue Seas this morning and Ray at the factory as well. Ray said the issues have gone away in the last year and that they are doing nothing different in the installation but to make sure the wire doesn't put strain on the stud. Blue Seas is Fed Exing a new switch. No charge, no paperwork, no hassle. They said major reasons for failures are over torquing screws during installation and/or to much strain on the studs. They suggested wire tying the wire at the stud to take up the strain and following their torque recommendations found on their website. sure how to do the wire ties at this point but I will make sure there is no strain on the stud.

[Moderator]

Good to hear, Chuck !  Glad they took care of you.