Help: electrical

[IES99]

I need some electrical lighting help: anchor light will not light. The light itself is good: I jump wired it from my Jeep battery to check. The fuse is also good. The problem is low voltage (checked with voltmeter at wire to the light) I only get about 2 volts. Shouldn't I get 12+? Is it the switch? or something else I need to look into? In Advance: Thanks

 

[joed]

Re: Help: electrical

Poor connection somewhere. Could be switch. Measure voltage on both terminals of switch with light plugged in. If one is good and one is low switch is bad.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Help: electrical

Measuring across the socket you should get very close to battery open circuit voltage. Excess voltage drop somewhere along the circuit caused by too much resistance due to corrosion or loose connection. Check the socket, switch, fuse box and all other connections. Look for areas where a wire could get pinched or chafed, or a bare wire could contact something it shouldn't.

DIY wiring like you might do in a car or house won't hold up under the adverse conditions on a boat. Connections must be bright (use sandpaper on 'em if you have to) and tight-tight-tight. Crimped or crimped and soldered, but not just soldered. Wire nuts are a no-no. Heat-shrink helps.

 

[IES99]

Re: Help: electrical

Poor connection somewhere. Could be switch. Measure voltage on both terminals of switch with light plugged in. If one is good and one is low switch is bad.

Measuring across the socket you should get very close to battery open circuit voltage. Excess voltage drop somewhere along the circuit caused by too much resistance due to corrosion or loose connection. Check the socket, switch, fuse box and all other connections. Look for areas where a wire could get pinched or chafed, or a bare wire could contact something it shouldn't.
DIY wiring like you might do in a car or house won't hold up under the adverse conditions on a boat. Connections must be bright (use sandpaper on 'em if you have to) and tight-tight-tight. Crimped or crimped and soldered, but not just soldered. Wire nuts are a no-no. Heat-shrink helps.

Thanks to both of you. I will heed your advice and get out there to work on it.

 

[joed]

Re: Help: electrical

Just to be clear I meant to measure from a good ground to each terminal of the switch not across the terminals of the switch. After reading my post again it was little unclear.

 

[IES99]

Re: Help: electrical

Just to be clear I meant to measure from a good ground to each terminal of the switch not across the terminals of the switch. After reading my post again it was little unclear.

Will do, thanks again.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help: electrical

corroded terminals, switch going bad. damaged wire.