Basic Question re: switch panel

[Getting_started]

I'm installing this switch on my boat. After some initial confusion, I think I've figured it out but wanted to run it by folks who actually know what they're doing. Looks like I need to wire in a grounding bar from the battery where all of the circuits connected to this switch get their ground. From the ground bar, run a wire over to the neg. on the switch. All the red wires on the switch panel should go to the pos. on the devices being switched: small bilge pump, running lights, plotter. Correct ?

The other issue is that the fuses look to be a type of circuit breaker but I can't seem to get them to reset. Each switch has a back light and they all work if I put power to them. Problem is that if I run through the fuses, it's a no go. Can't really take them out to look inside. Any ideas or suggestions ??

Thanks

 

[NYBo]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

Those are fuse holders, not circuit breakers. Maybe there are no fuses installed? I think you push them in to make them pop out.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

The bus bar on your fuses should hook up to the dash feed from your battery through a fuse or breaker near the postive post ( check that first)

The Neg bus on your switches must be ok if your jumping the switch and the back light comes on.

None of this would go to the key switch.

red wires from switchs to what ever your turning on.
black goes back to the ground buss on the dash where your getting the ground for the back lights.

 

[fucawi]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

Top buss is for live feed for switches and the red wires go the the unit you want to power.
The bottom buss marked - is the ground for the lights inside the switches if they have any and you can attach black wires to the terminals on that buss if you want for the item groung .You dont have to use the neg buss if your units is getting a ground elsewhere. is optional ..its the double ++ and -- thats confusing

 

[Getting_started]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

Thanks for the replies. I'll look again to see if those are fuse holders rather than circuit breakers, but I didn't see any way to pop them out.

 

[fucawi]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

The one I have thats almost identical has round caps at the front that screw off ..must be a way to do it without removing the panel or you could not do it at sea.

 

[Don S]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

On the front of the panel, look where it says FUSE. Just to the left (with the panel right side up) of the word fuse, is the word push, there is a little tab on the side that releases the fuse holder cap so you can install/replace the fuse.

 

[fucawi]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

now thats why he is an oracle

 

[Getting_started]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

Oracle indeed. Exactly how it works. Replaced the fuse and it's good to go.

Follow up question: I have a "metal supermarket" nearby where I can purchase aluminum or brass in small quantities. I thought I would make a grounding bar instead of buying one. Any advice - material, mounting...

 

[fucawi]

Re: Basic Question re: switch panel

well you dont want aluminium ...brass ok but expensive ...1/2 x 1/2 bar with row of 1/4 holes and tapped from above for screws to pin the wires ..??