505/508 - Distribution and main battery isolator switches

Distribution and main battery isolator switches

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Forum Name: 505/508
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Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 01:44
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Topic: Distribution and main battery isolator switches

Posted By: BamBam4
Subject: Distribution and main battery isolator switches
Date 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.

Replies:

Posted By: S&J
Date 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.

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H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising

Posted By: BamBam4
Date 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.

Posted By: Arcadia
Date 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.

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Leon / ARCADIA
2018 Hanse 588
Sag Harbor, NY