Matthew,
Depending on the year .. And MOST importantly.... What MAY have been done
by a previous owner, The DC system is pretty simple.
An inexpensive VOLTMETER could be your "Best Friend" .
Using the meter and making several test checks at and along each of the
Load Devices (what you call "appliances"). You should be able to run down
the NEGATIVE side of your wiring.
By the way.....
It's a particularly Silly "thing" of mine..But, I prefer to use the term
NEGATIVE instead of ..Ground or Common or (worse) Return..
Each of those terms can be used for entirely different things.....
So, doing tests, installing new devices or just trying to explain a problem
to other sailors..... using the term, NEGATIVE for a system, can save a lot
of confusion.
I have a 1984 Inboard.
Battery NEGATIVE is a large battery Cable bolted to the inboard engine. A
Heavy gauge wire is directly connected to one of the NEGATIVES of the house
batteries, which is, of course, commonly connected to ALL batteries.
This NEGATIVE lead is fed to the Power Panel. There it's screwed into what's
called a "Bus Bar". The Bus Bar is a bronze common conductor bar that has
several screws into which I attach all my NEGATIVE load lines.
What has been mentioned here, about the Negative wire running along the hull
and cabin line, is true on my '84.. BUT also, It's my understanding that in
earlier models
Those wires were built into the overhead and are impossible to see or
repair.. that may be your case. Especially if you can't find a Negative wire
So, depending on what year your boat was built, You MAY be able to find them
running along inside the hull .. Or..... NOT because they're hidden..
It's also my understanding that on older models,, Many owners have disabled
the OLD wiring and replaced it with new wire.. running them along the Hull
and cabin JOIN...
What ever the case.. I would recommend you use a voltmeter to find the
lines..
And I would also recommend.. installing a NEGATIVE Bus Bar .... It makes
life a lot easier.. :-)
Regards,
Ralph Ahseln
"Oblio" 1984
Gresham OR
But
----- Original Message -----
From: "matthew tisdale" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 10:51 PM
Subject: RE: catalina27-talk: Catalina 27 Appliance Ground Wires
Thanks to all for your willingness to help. By appliances, I mean running
lights, cabin lights, spreader lights, etc. -- the basic 12V functions.
I have a primay ground wire into which I would have expected the
appliances would ground out, but they aren't there! A puzzle!
Thanks again for any suggestions.
matthew -----Original Message-----
From: Phil Agur <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 5:13 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: catalina27-talk: Catalina 27 Appliance Ground Wires
Hi Matthew,
I'm with David. I'd be afraid to comment until you clarify what you mean
by
appliances.
On Wing Tip I'd have to say it's the factory installed 115V appliances.
Phil Agur s/v Wing Tip
Secretary/Treasurer Call Sign WCW3485
[The entire original message is not included]
