Victron Energy Battery Switch ON/OFF 275A
1. Introduction
The Battery Switch ON/OFF 275A is suitable for battery systems up to 48V. It features a unique ergonomic and aesthetic knob design. The knob is removable for isolation or safety purposes. The Battery Switch can be either surface or panel mounted, providing flexibility during installation. It meets the ISO8846 Ignition Protection standard and is suitable for use in an engine room.
1.1. Features
- Interchangeable label stickers
- Glass fibre reinforced nylon enclosure
- Removable cable access window on all 4 sides
- Removable ergonomic knob
Diagram Description: A visual representation of the battery switch highlighting four key features with numbered callouts: 1. Interchangeable label stickers, 2. Glass fibre reinforced nylon enclosure, 3. Removable cable access window on all 4 sides, 4. Removable ergonomic knob.
1.2. System examples
Diagram Description: A simplified electrical diagram illustrating a common setup. A Battery Switch (labeled A) is used to disconnect the house system (loads/chargers, labeled C) from the house battery (labeled B). This configuration is recommended for preserving battery charge, during system maintenance, or in emergency situations.
Diagram Description: Another simplified electrical diagram. A Battery Switch (labeled A) is shown disconnecting an inverter (labeled D) from the house battery (labeled B). This setup is useful for preserving battery charge, during system maintenance, or in emergency situations.
| ID | Legend |
|---|---|
| A | Battery Switch |
| B | House battery |
| C | House system DC loads and/or chargers |
| D | Inverter |
| E | Starter battery |
| F | Engine and alternator |
Diagram Description: A simplified electrical diagram showing a Battery Switch (labeled A) used to disconnect the alternator (labeled F) from the starter battery (labeled E). This application is for preserving battery charge, system maintenance, or in emergency scenarios.
Diagram Description: A simplified electrical diagram demonstrating how to parallel connect the house battery (labeled B) to the starter battery (labeled E) using a Battery Switch (labeled A). This is a critical function for emergency use, such as when the starter battery or house battery is flat.
2. Installation
2.1. What's in the box
- Battery Switch
- Instruction booklet with mounting template
- Interchangeable label sticker sheet
- 4 mounting screws
2.2. Mounting
The Battery Switch can be mounted in two ways:
- Surface mount
- Rear panel mount
Diagram Description: An illustration depicting two distinct mounting methods. The 'Surface mount' shows the switch attached directly to a flat surface. The 'Rear panel mount' illustrates the switch installed through a panel, with its front accessible. Dimensions provided for surface mounting are approximately 1.161 inches (29.5mm) and 1.693 inches (43mm). For rear panel mounting, the maximum panel thickness is specified as 0.394 inches (10mm).
The battery switch packaging includes an actual size cutout template. This template should be used to mark screw holes and, for rear panel mounting, the central knob hole. Detailed enclosure dimensions are available in the 'Enclosure dimensions' section.
1. Screw holes: Four holes are provided, one at each corner.
2. Mounting hole for rear panel mounting.
Diagram Description: A circular template for marking mounting holes. It indicates four screw locations positioned around the perimeter and a central hole with a diameter of 2.067 inches (52.5mm) for the knob shaft. Note: The template is not to scale; use the cutout from the Battery Switch packaging.
2.3. Label sticker
The Battery Switch is supplied with a sticker sheet featuring 16 different label stickers. Choose the sticker that best identifies the circuit the Battery Switch is controlling. Remove the selected sticker from the sheet and apply it to the knob of the Battery Switch.
Diagram Description: A visual representation of the sticker sheet, displaying numerous rectangular stickers. Each sticker is labeled with text and an icon, such as: HOUSE, START, PORT, STBD, MID START, RADIO, CHASSIS, EMERGENCY PARALLEL, INVERTER, WINDLASS, GENSET, BOW THRUSTER, BATTERY 1, BATTERY 2, BATTERY 3.
Diagram Description: An illustration demonstrating the process of applying a chosen label sticker onto the battery switch knob.
2.4. Wiring
Wire the Battery Switch into the electrical system following these steps:
- Begin by disconnecting the positive battery terminal.
- Mount the Battery Switch securely onto the desired surface (surface mount) or panel (rear panel mount).
- Remove the appropriate side-plate to allow for cable access. Ensure the side-plate facing upwards is not removed, to prevent water ingress.
- Utilize 120mm² (4/0 AWG) cables for all terminals to ensure compliance with the Battery Switch's current rating.
- Connect one terminal to the positive battery cable. Connect the other terminal to the positive cable of an alternator, a load circuit, or a second battery, depending on the specific installation type.
- Verify that all nuts and lock washers are correctly fitted and that the nut is tightened to a recommended torque of 8Nm (with a maximum of 12.5Nm).
- Finally, reconnect the positive battery terminal.
3. Operation
- To turn the switch ON, twist the knob clockwise.
- To turn the switch OFF, turn the knob counter-clockwise.
- To turn the switch OFF and remove the knob, turn the knob an additional 30° counter-clockwise.
Diagram Description: Three visual representations of the battery switch knob in its different operational states: ON, OFF, and Remove. The 'Remove' state shows the knob slightly disengaged from the switch body.
3.1. Battery Switch knob removal
The Battery Switch knob is designed to be removable. This feature is crucial for preventing unintended operation of the switch, particularly during system maintenance or when the system is left unattended, which helps prevent battery discharge. When the knob is removed, the switch is automatically in the OFF position.
To remove the knob:
- First, ensure that all engines and equipment connected to the same DC circuit as the Battery Switch are turned off.
- Turn the Battery Switch knob counter-clockwise until the "OFF" position is reached.
- Continue turning the knob a further 30° counter-clockwise until the "Remove" position is achieved.
- Gently pull the knob away from the Battery Switch to detach it.
Diagram Description: A step-by-step visual guide illustrating the process of removing the battery switch knob. It shows the knob turning from the ON position to OFF, then rotating an additional 30 degrees to the Remove position, followed by pulling the knob free from the switch.
4. Technical specifications
| Technical specification | Rating |
|---|---|
| Continuous DC current rating* | 275A |
| 5 minute DC current rating | 455A |
| Peak DC current (cranking) rating | 1250A (10 sec) |
| DC voltage rating | 48V |
| Terminal material | Tin-plated copper |
| Hex nut material | Tin-plated copper |
| Terminal diameter | 3/8" (9.53mm) |
| Recommended torque | 70 lbf-inch (8N.m) |
| Base material | Glass fiber reinforced nylon |
| Weight | 0.4lb (0.2kg) |
| Dimensions (l x w x h) | 2.71 x 2.71 x 2.87 inch (69 x 69 x 73 mm) |
| Ignition protection | ISO8846 / SAE J1171 |
* The battery switch is suitable to switch under load. However, if alternators, motors, or sensitive DC loads are connected, these should be switched off before switching the DC supply off.
4.1. Enclosure dimensions
Diagram Description: A dimension drawing of the battery switch, showing front and side views. The front view outlines the switch body as a 69mm x 69mm square with an inner circular area of 54.80mm diameter. Labels indicate switch positions (Remove, OFF, ON) and include a warning: "STOP ENGINE BEFORE SWITCHING TO OFF". The side view shows the depth of the unit as 73mm, with an internal measurement of 42mm. The model number VBS127010010 - Battery switch ON/OFF 275A is clearly marked. All measurements are provided in millimeters.
