Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

[vesselgreenhead]

I'm trying to install a cabin light in my boat. The distribution panel is already active to running lights,bilge pump, etc. I have one open switch left that I'm going to use. The light is a simple perco light with two wires coming from the switch and two wires coming from the bulb for a total of four. There are only two wires from distribution panel switch. Do those two wires go to the switch on the light? Where do the other two from the bulb go? I'm confused. No directions came with the light! Please Help.....

 

[Bill mac26]

Re: Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

hook one wire from the switch to one of the wires from the light. then hook the other wire from each to the battery. You didn't get any instructions with this light?

 

[vesselgreenhead]

Re: Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

No instructions came with the light. Is the wire you are speaking of from the distribution panel to the switch on the light then the other three that are left on the light go to the one remaining wire on the distribution panel??

 

[crab bait]

Re: Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

you are turnin' somethin' so simple into brain surgery...<br /><br />forget all the wires ..FORGET THEM..<br /><br />take ONE wire from the switch to one wire of the lite... then take the other wire from lite to ground ... that's it ... safe off all other wires with tape or such...

 

[jollymon]

Re: Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

Before you do any thing, check to see why you have four wires coming out of the light.<br /><br />Possibilty # 1<br /><br />You have two bulbs in the light, some boats I have seen have a red light and a white light in the housing. then there would be a set of wires for each bulb.<br /><br />Possibility # 2<br /><br />The light is set up to run a chain of lights, then you would have two wires going into the light and two going out. <br /><br />In either case check to see which wire(s) are the ground in the light (Should be black). Run this to the negative or ground comming out of the distribution pannel, and hook the hot to the positive out of the distribution pannel.<br /><br />This should be a simple job.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Distribution Panel Wiring "HELP"

Wow...I'm glad I'm not depending on the responses...except crabs.<br /><br />Mr. No particular....you missed the part about "2 wires are from the switch and 2 wires are from the bulb".<br /><br />Start with...connect one wire from the switch to one wire from the bulb. Then connect the remaining two to the two coming from the panel.<br /><br />To be in compliance with the ABYC would require a course in marine elec.