Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

[Rhadley]

My boat has a main switch to disconnect the battery, and it switches the ground, not the 12V. Is this correct? Seems like it should switch power or there is power to the whole boat except for the last 12" of ground at the battery.

 

[randyo]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

If your ground is disconnected at the battery, the circuit is incomplete and electricity cannot flow.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

Switches should always be on the positive side...never negative. Whoever wired that battery switch on the negative side...did it wrong.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

Originally posted by waterone1:<br /> Switches should always be on the positive side...never negative. Whoever wired that battery switch on the negative side...did it wrong.

Technicaly, it is right... DC current flows negative to postive. <br /><br />As a matter of practice, the switch should be on the positive side as negative {-} is considered "common" or "ground".<br /><br />Someone else working on your boat maybe confused by your current setup, you would be wise to change it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

Unless this boat uses a neg. ground system like the English it should be on the pos. side.

 

[Rhadley]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

Thanks, guys. I will change it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Battery main switch--GND or PWR?

Sounds like some older ChrisCraft wiring.