Garmin Boat Switch User manual

BOAT SWITCH PRE-CONFIGURED DIGITAL SWITCHING
SYSTEM
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Important Safety Information
WARNING
Garmin® strongly recommends using a professional installer with proper knowledge of electrical systems to
install the device. Incorrectly installing the device can result in serious bodily injury and damage to the vessel or
the battery.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these cautions could result in bodily injury damage to the device and/or vessel, or poor product
performance.
This device must be installed according to these instructions.
Disconnect the vessel's power supply before beginning to install this product.
Before applying power to this product, make sure it has been correctly grounded according to the installation
instructions.
You must read all installation instructions before beginning the installation. If you do not understand the
installation needs of this device, or if you experience difficulty during the installation, contact Garmin Product
Support.
Setting up a Garmin Boat Switch™Device
Follow these steps to set up a Garmin Boat Switch device on the vessel. Additional information and instructions
are contained in this document for your reference.
You should contact Garmin product support or your Garmin field service engineer (FSE) for assistance or if you
have any questions.
1Mount the Garmin Boat Switch device (Mounting the Garmin Boat Switch Device, page 3).
2Connect the Garmin Boat Switch device to the NMEA 2000® network (NMEA 2000 Network Connection,
page 5).
3Connect the switched devices or circuits to the X1 wiring harness (X1 Wiring Harness, page 7) and the X2
wiring harness (X2 Wiring Harness, page 10).
4Connect the Garmin Boat Switch device to power (Connecting to Power, page 16).
5Configure the Garmin Boat Switch device (Configuring the Device, page 17).
GUID-A4B2918E-C905-454D-967F-B0B7AB889986 v4February 2022

Mounting Considerations
Selecting the correct mounting location is critical to optimize the performance of the Garmin Boat Switch
device. When selecting a mounting location, observe these considerations.
• You must mount the device in an accessible location.
◦All of the switches on this device can be activated by pressing buttons on the device directly. Because of
this, the device must be accessible in case there is an issue with switching using the chartplotter.
◦Many of the settings on this device must be configured by connecting specific wires on the wiring harness
to a ground wire. Because of this the device must be accessible during the configuration process.
◦This device uses software fuses, and if any of the fuses trip, you may need to reset them by pressing
buttons on the device directly. Because of this, the device must be accessible during use so you can reset
any tripped software fuses when needed.
• You must mount the device in a location where it is not submerged.
• You must mount the device on a flat, vertical mounting surface, with the wire harness connectors pointing
down.
• You must clear mounting surface of dirt, debris, wax, or coatings.
• Mounting hardware is not included with this device. You must provide pan-head screws of the appropriate
length for the mounting surface.
• You should select a location away from sources that can interfere with the device's operation. Sources of
interference may include strong electromagnetic fields, such as power cables and electric motors.
2

Mounting the Garmin Boat Switch Device
Before you can mount the device, you must select a location in accordance with the mounting considerations.
Mounting hardware is not provided with this device. Before you can mount the device, you must acquire pan-
head screws of the appropriate length for the mounting surface.
NOTICE
Do not use the Garmin Boat Switch device as a template when drilling the mounting holes because drilling
through the mounting holes may damage the device and void the warranty.
Do not apply grease or lubricant to the screws when fastening the device to the mounting surface. Grease or
other lubricants can cause damage to the device housing.
You must select pan-head screws to secure the device. Using countersunk screws can damage the device
housing.
1With the wiring-harness connectors pointing down, hold the device on a flat, vertical mounting surface and
mark the locations for the pilot holes.
2Remove the device from the mounting surface.
3Using a 2 mm (5/64 in.) drill bit, drill the pilot holes.
4Verify that the mounting holes on the device line up with the pilot holes.
5Fasten pan-head screws (not included) into the bottom two pilot holes , leaving room to attach the device.
6Place the device over the screw heads, and slide it downward to lock it into place .
7Fasten pan-head screws (not included) into the top two pilot holes .
8Secure the device to the mounting surface by tightening the four screws until they are snug.
NOTICE
Do not overtighten the screws because it may damage the device housing.
3

Connection Considerations
You should carefully plan the layout of the device, the power wiring, the NMEA 2000 network, and all switched
devices before making any connections.
When making connections, observe these considerations.
• This device supports a maximum of 50 A total for all active channels. When planning switched connections,
consider the power needs of all potential load combinations to ensure that the total active load does not
exceed 50 A when in use.
• You must connect both the X1 and X2 wiring harnesses to this device, but you do not have to connect
devices to every wire on the harnesses.
• You must make all bare wire connections using a marine-grade, waterproof connectors or waterproof heat-
shrink.
• You must insulate any unused bare wire connections after completing installation.
• When connecting a device or circuit to the wiring harness, ensure that the power requirements for the device
or circuit do not exceed the rated SW fuse for the channel.
• When extending wires, you must use the appropriate wire gauge as specified for the power wire (Connecting
to Power, page 16) and for the individual wires on the wiring harnesses (X1 Wiring Harness, page 7, X2
Wiring Harness, page 10).
• This device must connect to the same NMEA 2000 network as the chartplotter you want to use for digital
switching (NMEA 2000 Network Connection, page 5).
4

NMEA 2000 Network Connection
This diagram shows a sample installation which you can scale to apply to the NMEA 2000 network on your
vessel. The device must receive power from a dedicated power connection and does not receive power from the
NMEA 2000 network (Connecting to Power, page 16).
If you are unfamiliar with the needs of a NMEA 2000 network, you should read the “NMEA 2000 Network
Fundamentals” chapter of the Technical Reference for NMEA 2000 Products. To download the reference, go to
garmin.com/manuals/nmea_2000.
Item Description Notes
NMEA 2000 terminator NMEA 2000 terminators must connect to each end of the NMEA 2000
backbone.
NMEA 2000 T-connector
NMEA 2000 T-connectors must connect to one another using the sides
of each T, and they must connect to NMEA 2000 devices using drop
cables connected to the top of each T.
NMEA 2000 Backbone
NMEA 2000 drop cable A NMEA 2000 drop cable connects a device to the NMEA 2000 network.
A NMEA 2000 drop cable should not exceed 6 m (20 ft.).
NMEA 2000 power cable
12 V power source
Garmin Boat Switch device The Garmin Boat Switch device must connect to both the NMEA 2000
network and to switched devices to function correctly.
Garmin chartplotter The Garmin chartplotter must have a power connection separate from
the NMEA 2000 network.
5

Item Description Notes
Inline 50 A circuit breaker or
fuse
The Garmin Boat Switch must connect to power through a 50 A circuit
breaker or fuse (Connecting to Power, page 16).
Connecting Devices to the Wiring Harnesses
You must use the provided wiring harnesses to connect switched devices to the Garmin Boat Switch device.
WARNING
In order to avoid accidental short circuits, disconnect the power supply to the Garmin Boat Switch before
making any connections. Failure to disconnect the power supply could result in serious bodily injury, and/or
damage to the device and/or vessel.
NOTICE
To avoid possible damage to the device, the wiring harness, or the vessel, you should refer to American Boat &
Yacht Council (ABYC) or your local and regional standards when determining the maximum length and gauge of
wire extensions.
NOTE: You can view examples of common wiring installations on the Garmin website. Go to garmin.com
/manuals/boatswitch/.
1Route appropriately gauged marine-grade, fully-tinned copper wire (not included) from the location of the
device to the switched devices.
NOTE: You should label both ends of the wire so you can easily identify which wires route to which devices.
2Connect the wire to the wiring harness using appropriately gauged marine-grade connectors.
Because the device is pre-configured, you must connect switched devices to the appropriate wires on the
wiring harness (X1 Wiring Harness, page 7), (X2 Wiring Harness, page 10).
3Connect the X1 wiring harnesses to the X1 port on the Garmin Boat Switch device.
4Connect the X2 wiring harnesses to the X2 port on the Garmin Boat Switch device.
5Verify the X1 harness is connected to the X1 plug on the Garmin Boat Switch device and the X2 harness is
connected to the X2 plug on the Garmin Boat Switch device.
NOTE: The Garmin Boat Switch device and connected devices will not operate correctly if the plugs are not
connected correctly.
6

X1 Wiring Harness
X1 Primary Wire Connections
The primary wires on the X1 wiring harness connect to the appropriate devices on the vessel to allow for digital
control or monitoring. When connecting a device or devices to a wire on this harness, you must use the wire
gauge specified in the table at the very minimum. For long wire runs, you should consider using larger-diameter
(smaller gauge number) wire to minimize power loss.
NOTE: You should refer to ABYC or your local and regional standards when determining the maximum length
and gauge of wire extensions.
Wire Label Wire Color Wire
Gauge
Software
Fuse Rating Wire Function
CH 1-TOGGLE 1(5A) Gray 14 AWG 5A
Provides a latching switch output intended
for use with red/green navigation lights1.
By default this channel is tied to CH 2-
TOGGLE 2(5A) for navigation-light control
(Navigation and Anchor Light Wiring,
page 12).
CH 2-TOGGLE 2(5A) Blue 14 AWG 5A
Provides a latching switch output intended
for use with a white navigation/anchor light1.
By default this channel is tied to CH 1-
TOGGLE 1(5A) for navigation-light control
(Navigation and Anchor Light Wiring,
page 12).
CH 3-TOGGLE 3(5A) Orange 14 AWG 5A Provides latching a switch output1.
CH 4-TOGGLE 4(5A) Purple 14 AWG 5A Provides a latching switch output1.
CH 5-TOGGLE 5(5A) Green 14 AWG 5A Provides a latching switch output1.
CH 6-RES TANK 1 Pink 16 AWG N/A
Provides monitoring for tank 1 resistive
sensor.
Must connect to ground using the CH 32
TANK SENSOR GROUND wire on the X2
wiring harness.
CH 7-RES TANK 2 White 16 AWG N/A
Provides monitoring for tank 2 resistive
sensor.
Must connect to ground using the CH 32
TANK SENSOR GROUND wire on the X2
wiring harness.
1 All switches on the Garmin Boat Switch device must be configured in the chartplotter software to function properly (Switch Configuration, page 18)
7

Wire Label Wire Color Wire
Gauge
Software
Fuse Rating Wire Function
CH 9-TOGGLE 6(10A) Gray with
black stripe 14 AWG 10A Provides a latching switch output1.
CH 10-TOGGLE 7(10A) Blue with
black stripe 14 AWG 10A Provides a latching switch output1.
CH 11-LIVEWELL(10A)
Orange
with black
stripe
14 AWG 10A Provides a latching switch output for a live-
well pump1.
CH 12-BILGE 1
MANUAL(10A) Brown 14 AWG 10A Provides a latching switch output for a bilge pump1.
CH 13-BILGE 2
MANUAL(10A) Brown 14 AWG 10A Provides a latching switch output for a bilge pump1.
CH 14-BILGE 1
MONITOR
Brown with
black stripe 16 AWG N/A
Input for monitoring bilge pump 1 automatic
operation. Generates an alarm when the
pump runs for longer than 2 min. or is
activated five times within 60 min. (12 Vdc)
CH 15-BILGE 2
MONITOR
Brown with
black stripe 16 AWG N/A
Input for monitoring bilge pump 2 automatic
operation. Generates an alarm when the
pump runs for longer than 2 min. or is
activated five times within 60 min. (12 Vdc)
X1 Breakout Wire Connections
The breakout wires on the X1 wiring harness allow you to add a physical switch to a device or circuit connected
to a digital switch on the specified primary wires of the X1 and X2 wiring harnesses. Connecting these wires to
the CH 32 TANK SENSOR GROUND wire on the X2 breakout wiring harness through a physical momentary
switch triggers the associated latching, dimming, or momentary switch for devices connected to the correlated
channels on the primary harnesses.
NOTE: Only momentary switches should be used for physical switches. Using physical latching or toggle
switches can override the Garmin Boat Switch device and disable digital switching on that channel through the
connected Garmin chartplotter.
Wire Label Wire
Color
Wire
Gauge Wire Function
SWITCH INPUT: CH1
TOGGLE 1 (OPTIONAL) Black 18 AWG
Latching switch input for CH 1-TOGGLE 1(5A) on this
wiring harness.
By default this input is tied to CH 2-TOGGLE 2(5A) for
navigation-light control (Navigation and Anchor Light
Wiring, page 12).
SWITCH INPUT: CH2
TOGGLE 2 (OPTIONAL) Brown 18 AWG
Latching switch input for CH 2-TOGGLE 2(5A) on this
wiring harness.
By default this input is tied to CH 1-TOGGLE 1(5A) for
navigation-light control (Navigation and Anchor Light
Wiring, page 12).
SWITCH INPUT: CH3
TOGGLE 3 (OPTIONAL) Red 18 AWG Latching switch input for CH 3-TOGGLE 3(5A) on this wiring harness.
1 All switches on the Garmin Boat Switch device must be configured in the chartplotter software to function properly (Switch Configuration, page 18)
8

Wire Label Wire
Color
Wire
Gauge Wire Function
SWITCH INPUT: CH9
TOGGLE 6 (OPTIONAL) Orange 18 AWG Latching switch input for CH 9-TOGGLE 6(10A) on this wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH10
TOGGLE 7 (OPTIONAL) Yellow 18 AWG Latching switch input for CH 10-TOGGLE 7(10A) on this wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH17 DIM
1 (OPTIONAL) Black 18 AWG Dimming switch input for CH 17-DIMMABLE 1(10A) on the X2 wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH18 DIM
2 (OPTIONAL) Brown 18 AWG Dimming switch input for CH 18-DIMMABLE 2(10A) on the X2 wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH19 DIM
3 (OPTIONAL) Red 18 AWG Dimming switch input for CH 19-DIMMABLE 3(10A) on the X2 wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH25
MOMENTARY 1
(OPTIONAL)
Orange 18 AWG Momentary switch input for CH 25-MOMENTARY 1
(10A) on the X2 wiring harness.
SWITCH INPUT: CH26
MOMENTARY 2
(OPTIONAL)
Yellow 18 AWG Momentary switch input for CH 26-MOMENTARY 2
(10A) on the X2 wiring harness.
9

X2 Wiring Harness
X2 Primary Wire Connections
The primary wires on the X2 wiring harness connect to the appropriate devices on the vessel to allow for digital
control or monitoring. When connecting a device or devices to a wire on this harness, you must use the wire
gauge specified in the table at the very minimum. For long wire runs, you should consider using larger-diameter
(smaller gauge number) wire to minimize power loss.
NOTE: You should refer to ABYC or your local and regional standards when determining the maximum length
and gauge of wire extensions.
Wire Label Wire Color Wire
Gauge
Software
Fuse Rating Wire Function
CH 17-DIMMABLE
1(10A) Gray 14 AWG 10A Provides a dimmable latching switch output1.
CH 18-DIMMABLE
2(10A) Blue 14 AWG 10A Provides a dimmable latching switch output1.
CH 19-DIMMABLE
3(10A) Orange 14 AWG 10A Provides a dimmable latching switch output1.
CH 20-DIMMABLE 4(5A) Purple 14 AWG 5A Provides a dimmable latching switch
output1.
CH 21-DIMMABLE 5(5A) Green 14 AWG 5A Provides a dimmable latching switch
output1.
CH 22-VOLT TANK 1 Pink 16 AWG N/A
Provides monitoring for Tank 1 voltage-
based sensor.
Must connect to ground using the CH 32
TANK SENSOR GROUND wire on the X2
wiring harness.
CH 23-VOLT TANK 2 White 16 AWG N/A
Provides monitoring for Tank 2 voltage-
based sensor.
Must connect to ground using the CH 32
TANK SENSOR GROUND wire on the X2
wiring harness.
CH 25-MOMENTARY 1
(10A)
Gray with
black stripe 14 AWG 10A Provides a momentary switch output1.
CH 26-MOMENTARY 2
(10A)
Blue with
black stripe 14 AWG 10A Provides a momentary switch output1.
1 All switches on the Garmin Boat Switch device must be configured in the chartplotter software to function properly (Switch Configuration, page 18)
10