Wiring to master switch?

[actiondcpd]

I'm looking to power two simer reversible pumps. I originally was going to wire them directly to the batter but thought maybe I could wire them to the master switch so they could be disconnected from the batter when the boat is in storage. This way they could never run if the switch was bumped or what not. Can that master switch supply enough juice or is this a bad idea? thanks.

[yellowdog]

If you mean a true master switch that is located in the positive battery cable and kills ALL power, you wouldn't have any problems doing this.

But I am assuming that you are talking about a switch that simply prevents the ignition and certain accessories from working when opened. Depending on the amperage of the pumps, wiring them in directly might burn up the "master switch" if it is not rated for the load.

However, you should be able to run a relay off the master switch to the control switch(es) for the pumps. This would provide a low amperage current for the pump switch while the actual power for the pumps could then be taken from any circuit with proper overload protection.

More information would be helpful. . . .

[actiondcpd]

Well, you are right... i don't mean the true master switch, i'm refering to the switch that connects power to the dash and allows you to punch in your code to start the engine... It is located right at the drivers knees on the front panel. Anyway, the ballast pumps i've wired up to the breaker that is right behind that switch. I was thinking about wiring in a relay but just wanted to see if I could get away without one. My final goal is to run the two simer pumps (at the same time hopefully) along with the stock ballast... Do you think thats too much current?

[yellowdog]

Amperage is the key word in this situation.

How many amps do the pumps draw, what is the rating on the switch, what is the breaker rated at, what wire sizes are involved? Standard rule of thumb is to limit the load on a breaker to 80% of its rating. Check out the total connected load already wired in.

Just from the way you have described this I would guess that you may be overloading the switch by trying to power the pumps directly.