Distribution and main battery isolator switches

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   New owner of a 2019 508 so hello.Its in lefkas and I am currently not unfortunately.
The distribution and domestic bat isolation switches are located together under the floor panel near the chart table.
Im trying to understand the circumstances for switching one or both off
Out of the factory what systems does the distribution switch isolate.
Which extra systems does the main isolator control

Is the bilge pump wired directly to the batteries so will it work regardless and similarly will shore power charge bats when both or either are off

The previous owner installed solar.
I guess depending on the wiring this may or may not charge bats with main isolator off

Thanks for patience answering newbie questions.
I could see a similar thread and nothing definitive online orbit the manuals I can see.

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BamBam4 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 23 July 2025 Location: Lefkas Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote BamBam4 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Distribution and main battery isolator switches Posted: 18 September 2025 at 14:31
	New owner of a 2019 508 so hello. Its in lefkas and I am currently not unfortunately. The distribution and domestic bat isolation switches are located together under the floor panel near the chart table. Im trying to understand the circumstances for switching one or both off Out of the factory what systems does the distribution switch isolate. Which extra systems does the main isolator control Is the bilge pump wired directly to the batteries so will it work regardless and similarly will shore power charge bats when both or either are off The previous owner installed solar. I guess depending on the wiring this may or may not charge bats with main isolator off Thanks for patience answering newbie questions. I could see a similar thread and nothing definitive online orbit the manuals I can see.

S&J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 30 August 2014 Location: Perth WA / Med Status: Offline Points: 1371	Post Options Post Reply Quote S&J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 September 2025 at 18:47
	Not sure what you mean by "distribution" isolator. I don't have anything other than red key switches from my engine and domestic batteries on my 458. I can confirm that several circuits including bilge pump, VHF, companionway courtesy light, Sentinel and possibly others, are permanently on even when the domestic battery switch is off. I have also installed solar and my MPPT controllers wired (via fuses) to the battery bank. My boat is ashore in Preveza. I have both engine and domestic battery switches off but I have tweaked the items that are permanently on to include an internet/ wifi modem and one of the two N2K backbones. I run Openplotter on a Raspberry Pi which enables me to monitor devices, batteries and security camera while I am away from the boat. Edited by S&J - 18 September 2025 at 18:47
	H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising

BamBam4 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 23 July 2025 Location: Lefkas Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote BamBam4 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 September 2025 at 20:11
	Thanks for the feedback I suspect the 508 is similar When Im back i will have a closer look. Sounds as though there are some differences With the 508 maybe the 505 too?? The 508 has a second red switch next to the main battery isolation switch just labled distribution.

Arcadia Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 27 November 2017 Location: Sag Harbor, USA Status: Offline Points: 1112	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arcadia Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 September 2025 at 02:46
	On the 588, that second distribution switch sends power to a buss bar which runs the electric winches, the dinghy winch and compressor and the generator starter motor.
	Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY



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