Add a voltage guage?

[DevonS]

I bought a little voltage guage and want to plug it into a spare space in my console. Do I just wire this sucker directly to the battery or is there an ignition wire somewhere like in a car so it's only on when the key is on? What if I add a second battery? Is there a way to switch and check voltage of each battery?
</dumb questions>

 

[turbinedoctor]

Re: Add a voltage guage?

Does you boat have an ignition switch, if so then there should be a wire that is hot only when the switch is in the run or start position. If you only have one abttery now that is how I would do it. Later if you add asecond battery you can make some wiring changes so you can see voltages of either battery.

I would not wire it direct to the battery without at least a fuse and a on / off switch.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Add a voltage guage?

No separate switch needed nor do you need to get anywhere near the ignition switch. Every gauge on the console except the speedometer has a +12 volt, light and ground terminal that becomes active when the key is on. Connect it to those terminals on any of the gauges.