[alberg30] #$%&$#! Electrics

[Mpete53 at aol.com]

From: Mpete53 at aol.com

I have found that most electrical problems can be traced down with a cheap 
volt meter.

    Troubles such as dim lights (if the battery is charged) means that there 
is a voltage loss somewhere in the circuit. The entire circuit, anywhere from 
the + batt. post to the - batt. post could be the problem.

    Low voltage systems such as the 12 volt systems on our boats are very 
susceptible to problems caused by poor connections. A mar 1.2 volt though a 
circuit means that 10% of your power is being lost. The voltage drop    
across a resistance (a poor connection, corroded wire or the electrical 
appliance all are resistance's) is defined by the formula 
    V = I * R
    V= volts
    I= Current in amps
    R= resistance in ohms

For a given resistance, the greater the current, the greater the voltage 
drop. This means that a connection that can adequately handle the power for 
the cabin lights alone, may not be able to handle the additional load of the 
running lights. Since most boat systems use common feed to the fuse panel and 
a common ground back to the engine block or battery, my guess is that your 
problem lies in one of these places.

    I would with The Engine OFF, turn on all the lights, radios, etc. that I 
could then start looking for the trouble spot.

    Install an in line fuse holder (1 or 2 amp fuse) on the end of a long 
wire this is to prevent an accidental brush with a ground from being a fire 
hazard. Connect the fuse holder to the + Batt terminal and the other end to 
the + wire of the meter. 

    With the meter set at 12 volts DC, start checking voltages.

    Work your way along the + side of the circuit, from the +Batt. back to 
the appliances + side. There should be no movement of the needle. If there 
is, look for a bad connection between the last two spot tested. 

    Test the - side the same way except, connect the fuse holder to the - 
Batt. terminal and the other end to the - tester lead.

    You should be able to find the trouble spot using this method. If you 
have gone over the system with the meter set at 12 volts DC and not found any 
big voltage drops, try it again with the meter set at 6 volts DC, remember 
you are looking for a small voltage drop, 1.2 V= 10% power loss 2.4V =20 % 
power loss.

I hope this helps you track down the deviant electrons on you A30

Mark

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