Sheila, the switch everyone is talking about has a red light that is on when the battery is connected and turns off when the battery is disconnected. It was probably on or you would have no lights. Also, when I turn that switch on, my radio will go on. Maybe it's just me. In case you don't know, there is a Precept owners group here and there is lots of good information on Precepts. Keep in mind that different years and different model Precept may be different. Heck, the same year and model may be different. But, this is a good source for the information you seek. To get there; click on Communities, then on Social Groups. You will see on this screen, a picture of a Precept. Click on it and you’re in. Good luck.
PS: Don't depend on CW knowing a lot about Precepts