What's it mean to ground something?

[Texasmark]

Re: What's it mean to ground something?

Ha! I later realized that the TV was properly equipped with the wide blade protective grounding plug which would have forced the chassis to be at N potential. But it was firmly held in the back plastic cover of the tv and in servicing, the back comes off and the two pin plug of the test power cord is reversible and I just didn't pay attention.....but that only happened once.

Agree an isolation xfmr would have helped.

Mark

 

[204Angler]

Re: What's it mean to ground something?

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A question so silly I feel bad asking it, I should have figured it out long ago.. but what does it mean to ground something? My outboard won't crank, and I am trying to figure out if it's the ignition switch, the starter solenoid, or the starter. I read this about how to test the ignition switch with a voltmeter:


Quote:
Disconnect from the solenoid the wire that comes from the ignition switch. It connects to a push-on spade connector on the solenoid. Fuel-injected cars have two spade connectors on the solenoid. In that case, the ignition switch wire will be the heavier of the two wires. Disconnect the wire, then use your voltmeter to check for 12v at that wire. Put the positive lead to the wire and ground the negative lead, then have your helper turn the key to start. When your helper does this, you should read 12v at the wire.

Do I just stick the negative lead onto a random metal point of the boat, such as the engine block? Do I stick it to a wire connecting to the negative terminal of the battery? Do I stick it into the dirt? Help!

With a 99 cent 12v test light. Put the pointy end (positive) to the wire you want to test for power. Put negetive end (black wire with alligator clip) on the NEGETIVE battery terminal. There are many grounds but this is THE ground so you KNOW that you have a good ground. Common electrical malfunctions result from a bad ground. That is probably why your motor isn't cranking. Or bad battery cables.
A simple diagnostic test you can do: FIRST, ensure ALL CONNECTIONS are corrosion free and snug. ALL connections means, battery, solenoid, starter. Also check the engine block ground wire. It will be the thickest black wire going from your motor to the negetive side of the battery. If it still does not crank do this SECOND, Get the jumper cables from your truck. Connect to the battery on your boat, on the other end of jumpers, connect negetive clip onto block or other paint free surface. Touch the positive end to the starter momentarily. If the motor cranks, it is NOT your starter. If it does not crank, you have an issue with your starter. If you have any questions...send me PM

 

[204Angler]

Re: What's it mean to ground something?

By the way what year and make is your outboard?