Replacing Old Schumacher Six-Position Switches with the 697013 Kit
Over the years, Schumacher battery chargers have used a variety of six-position switches—each with its mounting style, terminal layout, and internal wiring. These differences can make it challenging to find a replacement when your old switch fails. Thankfully, PLP Battery Supply offers a reliable and universal solution with the 697013 switch kit, which is designed to replace most Schumacher six-position switches with ease.
If you’re working on a charger with a broken or aging switch, it’s important to first understand the model you’re dealing with. Schumacher has used several switch styles over time, including:
- 0499 058 and 051 – Both feature seven terminals and are functionally identical, but the 051 uses a twist-lock mounting style, while the 058 has a milled square bushing for panel nut mounting.
- 022 (Defond version) – Uses a square-hole mount and has only five terminals (four outputs and one input). The top two power positions on the dial share the same transformer output.
- 022 (Arkles version) – Looks different, has a plastic body, and includes six terminals with A and B inputs for AC. A is used most often, and B can be used for pass-through applications like fans.
Despite these differences, all of these switches perform the same basic task: providing multiple power settings for the charger based on transformer windings.
The 697013 replacement switch solves the problem of inconsistency by offering a standardized solution:
- Durable design with a metal shaft, brass bushing, and sturdy bake-light housing
- Clear labeling for terminal positions based on clock positions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
- Round bushing mount fits into older square holes without modification
- Anti-rotation tabs prevent the switch from twisting loose—drill template included
- Jumper wire included to convert it to 4-output wiring for use with 022-style setups
When removing your old switch, take note of the wire colors and which terminals they connect to. Since Schumacher wiring varied from unit to unit, it’s best to draw your reference diagram before disconnecting anything. If your charger uses a switch with five or seven terminals, you can still use the 697013 as long as you wire it correctly.
All six-position switches, regardless of model, follow the same layout when installed with the OFF position at the 12:00 position on a clock face. From there, the charger’s power levels correspond to:
- 2:00 – Lowest power
- 4:00
- 6:00
- 8:00
- 10:00 – Highest power
The terminals on the 697013 are labeled with those same numbers, so you can match your old wire positions directly to their new spot.
Before installing, you’ll want to make sure the switch is oriented correctly with OFF aligned to the label on your charger faceplate. The included brass set screw requires a small flathead screwdriver (about 1/8 inch wide) to properly secure the knob once installed.
In some chargers with twist-lock switches, the original cabinet hole may already have notches that perfectly fit the locking tabs on the new 697013, making installation even easier. If not, simply drill two small holes using the provided template, insert the tabs, and secure the switch with the included panel nut.
Even if your original switch is completely missing or damaged, you can still identify the AC input and determine the power output order by testing with a multimeter. This allows you to wire the new switch in the correct order—from lowest to highest voltage—and restore full function.
The 697013 switch was designed to simplify these repairs, even across a wide range of models and switch styles. Whether you're dealing with a twist-lock, square-hole mount, or plastic-bodied switch, this upgrade kit is made to fit and built to last.
If you need help identifying your switch or have questions about wiring, give us a call at 800-642-3451 or visit plpbattery.com. Our team is happy to walk you through the process and make sure your charger is back in action in no time.