Hurricane deck boat circuit breaker

[SpeedyMG]

We have a Hurricane 2009 Fun Deck 216 and having a problem with the navigation lights. After checking the bulbs, we replaced the circuit breaker but that tripped too as soon as we tried turning the lights on. Any suggestions on trouble shooting this issue would be appreciated (the running lights are fine).

 

[NYBo]

Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

Did this just start happening? The symptoms point to a dead short between the switch and one of the navigation lights or in the socket of one of the lights. Start by pulling the bulbs and inspect the sockets.

 

[gm280]

^^^ what NYBo said. If you own a multimeter and know how to use one, now is the tie to get it out. Check for resistance across the positive and negative lines from the circuit breaker to the light circuit breaker opened). I bet you will fine either a complete short, or a very low resistance reading. Just figure out what is causing that, and you just fixed your problem. JMHO!

 

[SpeedyMG]

Ok - I did pull the bulbs to make sure they weren't bad but how do I check the sockets, or for what exactly? I think I may have a volt meter(?) but haven't actually used it:< I agree there must be a short but locating it is what has me baffled.

 

[gm280]

You take that meter and turn on the light and read the socket for voltage. If there is proper voltage is there, then the bulb is bad. However, with the bulb removed and you still pop the breaker when turned on, you have a wiring issues some where between the breaker and socket yet. And if you don't know how to use the meter to trace that short out, just follow the wires and see where they go. I think you will see the problem doing that. JMHO!

 

[Silvertip]

Disconnect one lamp at a time and see if the breaker pops. If not, you found the shorted circuit. If it still pops the other light is the issue. Most shorts occur at the back of the switch or at the lamp. Certainly possible to have chaffed wires though.

 

[SpeedyMG]

Thank you - that's something I hadn't known to try but definitely will.