• Look at the pictures to the left, It really is that simple. They are two versions (one has wires attached, other screw tabs) of the same switch. The Screw tab version (on right side) is the Cole Hersee Company model #5582-BX. It is rated at 25 amps @ 12vdc.

• Per the MaxCharge regulator manual, The Ignition (BROWN) wire is connected to the engine key and serves as the ON/OFF switch for the regulator. It will have no voltage when the engine key is off and have battery voltage when the key is on.

• As a ZRD preferred alternative, instead of connecting the brown wire to the engine key or a pressure switch, attach it to one side (cold) of a user supplied switch (such as the on/off switch shown in the picture). Attach a usern supplied wire to the other side (hot) of the switch and connect it to the positive (red) terminal on the alternator.

• This simple switch allows the user much flexibility in deciding when, how, why, ... the alternator should be supplying power for loads or charging. On smaller vessels with smaller engines, this is sometimes critical to gain extra power when needed. Turning off the engine key would not be a realistic option.

In this picture (on the left), a completed installation inside an engine room is shown. A small flat piece of stainless was attached near the companionway stairs support. A hole was pre-drilled in the middle of the attached (using 2 wood screws) stainless plate to allow the on/off switch to be inserted and locked in place with the switch's screw threads and nut. A screwed on rubber boot was added, but was not necessary for this dry location.

It's location allowed easy access before and after engine starts and as the engine was running should it be necessary or desireable to turn off the alternator. Also, this location was chosen because it was easy to access during 30 minute engine checks during cruise and normal operation.

In these three photos, one may see a customer's unique approach to this simple installation. He purchased a lighted switch, mounted it in a water-proof enclosure and placed it near his companionway. This ensured easy access after engine start should battery charging be necessary. It also allowed immediate deactivation of alternator charging should extra power be required to deal with the water environment.