Switching batteries while the instruments are on?

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BOB

Had a conversation with a couple of young sailors about switching batteries while all the instruments were still on. Or changing from your starter battery (#1) after you finishes motoring to you battery (#2) while radio, depth, knot, etc, are running. I was wondering what others views are out there?
 
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Brandon

Switchin shouldn't be a proble

As long as your switch doesn't cross the Off position when switching, you should be fine. That's why most selector switches don't rotate a full 360 degrees, but are arranged Off-1-Both-2 without allowing the switch to continue from 2 to Off. If you notice a interruption to the power on your devices when switching across the 1-Both-2, it probably won't hurt the equipment, but I would replace the switch, because what will be damaged is the diodes in your alternator (if the engine is running). You have to be able to switch among 1-B-2 after you've started the engine in order to charge the drained battery. Hope this clears things up
 
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