Voltmeter wiring question

[mtnlimo]

Hey guys

Im moving along wiring up my gauges. Got a new tach and fuel guage and got them working. I also got a votmeter guage so I can check the battery is while the engine is running.

Seems like I have a couple of options for wiring up the gauge.

1. pull a hot and neutral directly from the battery and switch the hot leg.

2. Tap off the purple wire which should be the stator wire,

3. Connect a jumper wire off the bat terminal on the fuel gauge thats right next the volt meter.

4. tap off the ignition switch.

Im alittle confused about the voltage regulator.. Seems it would do exactly what its called regulate the voltage to to dash components. So does it lower the voltage to the ignition and the gauges to 12 v if so it wouldnt give an accurate reading if the generator is charging.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Voltmeter wiring question

I have mine connected to the switch so it is on only when the switch is on. Your regulators primary purpose is to regulate current used for chaging the battery. Since the battery powers everything you can monitor it at any 12V source thats connected to the main battery. Normally you will see 13-14 volts on your volt meter indicating your charging circuit is ok. Some outboards don't have a regulator and the battery itself takes care of that function.

 

[mtnlimo]

Re: Voltmeter wiring question

So am I correct in assuming if I connect a hot and ground jumper from my volt meter to the ign & ground terminal on my fuel gauge , if my charging system is putting out 14 volts the fuel gauge will be getting 14 volts and ill be reading 14 volts on the meter ? Sorry for the run on sentence. The easiest hook up wold be from the fuel gauge but I could wire it other ways.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Voltmeter wiring question

Every gauge on your dash (except for the water pressure and speedometer) has a +12V and ground terminal on it. You are correct that connecting the voltmeter to any one of them is the way to go. The gauges will be active when the ignition switch is turned on and the voltmeter will read battery voltage wether or not the engine is running. When I say "engine not running I mean the key in RUN but engine not started. That gives you the option of reading static battery charge as well as engine running (charging) voltage.