Bruce wrote in
news
Re these 12 VDC continuous duty contractors available from the auto
parts with the capacity to carry starting amperage. Can you elaborate
a bit as I could sure use some of these..



They look just like regular starter solenoid relays except the coil is
larger, draws less amperage to pull in the plunger and have better
internal heat sinking. Starter solenoids use more current because they
are built so cheaply with lots less windings.

These solenoids may also be found in car stereo stores as they use them
for switching the beast power amps the kiddies have in their trunks.
Many are used to power those driving headlights with the big quartz
bulbs, too.

http://www.stancor.com/jsp/relays.jsp

I'm using the Type 70 Stancor continuous duty. It's rated at 80A
continuous and 400A "inrush", like a stalled starter would draw. Both
the battery contactors and electronics power contactor are all these
cheap relays, all sealed up to keep the sea air at bay....

Any little toggle switch (1A) can control large currents remotely with
these cheap contactors. They are sealed, so provide an explosion-proof
solution to switching battery bank monsters in the bilge.

They do draw power for this convenience....about what a cabin light
draws...1/2 to 1A off the batteries, unlike a big switch at no drain, so
you must disable them at storage time.

Larry
--
While in Mexico, I didn't have to press 1 for Spanish.
While in Iran, I didn't have to press 1 for Farsi, either.
It just isn't fair.