Wiring Questions

[Russ Calasant]

These may be simple questions for some, and I hope they are.
1. I have two switches that operate the cockpit lights. Each switch has two 12v leads and one lead that feeds the lights. When either switch is turned on it energizes one of the 12v feeds and all lights are turned on. Problem is this - I had to replace a switch with a 4 switch panel. I needed to add 3 switches for underwater lights, wanting them to match I bought a 4 switch panel to replace the cockpit light switch too. The switch is a single pull single throw. Can I connect both 12 volt feeds together to the single contact so both switches work? Do I need to put something in line to stop 12v flowing up the other 12v feed line? Or do I forget about using the second switch and just disconnect? :huh:

2. One of my underwater lights is reading a dead short, could it be the bulb is blown? Its an MR16 12v 100watt quartz bulb. Will it read short when blown? Anyoneknow? :smt100

 

[Redhook98]

2. An open would indicate a blown bulb or fuse. A short means you have some troubleshooting to do.....

 

[Russ Calasant]

2. An open would indicate a blown bulb or fuse. A short means you have some troubleshooting to do.....

Yeah, the bulb should read resistance but not a dead short normaly. I just dont want to climb in there without a bulb in case the short blew the bulb too. It must be a short, its just not that complicated.

 

[Rum Runner]

Russ, I saw your post several days ago and I was going to respond. Something came up and I couldn't at the time. Then I couldn't find it again. I was just wondering how things came out? I thought the install looked pretty good. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of the wiring inside the bilge. R

 

[Russ Calasant]

Russ, I saw your post several days ago and I was going to respond. Something came up and I couldn't at the time. Then I couldn't find it again. I was just wondering how things came out? I thought the install looked pretty good. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of the wiring inside the bilge. R

Well, I have not figured out number one yet and have just left the helm switch dead.
I did get a replacement bulb and went into the bilge. What I found was what appeared to be a defective solder job on the light socket, hard to tell. It had some melted insulation around it. I have ordered a new one. I cleaned up and tested the old one and popped it in the meantime. Seems to be working fine, but I have yet to have it on for any lenght of time. We will see. I will take pics soon.