Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

[kriphead]

I have a really simple setup for my audio system in my boat. I have spliced the red and yellow wire together and run just 1 wire to my +battery side. I have of course also run a the black to the -side. It works well, but I was wondering if by not having an option to turn off the red wire It is using more power than if only the yellow kept the memory settings alive?????

Let me know.

Also, is there any other reasons why it might be a good idea to have the red wire on a switch???

 

[seabob4]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

You can put the red wire on a switch, that's up to you. But run the yellow separate to constant hot (with an inline 5A fuse). Keeps your settings...

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

I put both the memory wires and power wires on a master accessory switch. I just need to flip off one switch to positively turn off GPS/FF, VHF and Stereo. I do not mind losing my radio stations, since they are really easy to find....

I do not want any power to be used on the boat (other than bilge pump), when I am away from it.

 

[jalbert34668]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

Red wire constant hot wire needs to be fused to save you the cost of a new radio if something shorts out. I would put a switch on the red constant hot just to make sure the radio isn't draining the battery while you are away from it !!

 

[kriphead]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

The reason I do want the yellow, is that i grew tired of loosing my radio stations + sound settings every time.

I ONLY run my radio off the deep cycle battery, and have a solar trickle charger also connected to this battery. Starter battery is completely seperate and run bilge, fishfinder, lights etc. (small boat and never any problems with this).

What I understand now would be the best is: Run the yellow seperate from the red and put a small fuse 5AMP???? on both the red and yellow wire? Put a switch on the red.

Please confirm

K

 

[mnmike3]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

The reason I do want the yellow, is that i grew tired of loosing my radio stations + sound settings every time.

I ONLY run my radio off the deep cycle battery, and have a solar trickle charger also connected to this battery. Starter battery is completely seperate and run bilge, fishfinder, lights etc. (small boat and never any problems with this).

What I understand now would be the best is: Run the yellow seperate from the red and put a small fuse 5AMP???? on both the red and yellow wire? Put a switch on the red.

Please confirm

K

5 amp should be fine on the red wire but you might want a 10 or 15 on the yellow, look to see if it has an inline fuse holder close to the radio or even on the back of the radio itself. some radios have up to a 15 amp fuse on them from the factory. but you still need to fuse the wire closer to the battery (or power source) to protect the wiring also.

You don't really need to switch the red wire, it is best to do so but not needed, if you don't you will just have to make sure you turn the radio off using the power button, just make sure it turns off and doesn't just go into standby. Usually in boats i just run red and yellow to switched wire and don't get the memory function, but if it has a solar charger you should be fine using the yellow for memory.

 

[jalbert34668]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

you really don't need a switch on any wire coming from the radio , but it would be a hard lesson learned if your on a island 10 miles from home to find out you forgot to turn radio off! Just be sure to put a fuse on both red and yellow wires, that way you don't burn up your radio or wiring! On the back of your radio it should say what size of fuse you need or there should already be a fuse in place from the factory! I personally have a switch on everything plus a main switch that kills everything, the only thing that stays constantly on is my Bilge pump! Electrician for 12 years!! Best of luck to you !

 

[fish_on_the_deck]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

5 amp should be fine on the red wire but you might want a 10 or 15 on the yellow, look to see if it has an inline fuse holder close to the radio or even on the back of the radio itself. some radios have up to a 15 amp fuse on them from the factory. but you still need to fuse the wire closer to the battery (or power source) to protect the wiring also.

why put a bigger fuse on the yellow wire... I thought that was the little trickle charge keeping the settings? That can't pull more current than the actual stereo power?

 

[mnmike3]

Re: Does red wire need to be on a switch (radio)

why put a bigger fuse on the yellow wire... I thought that was the little trickle charge keeping the settings? That can't pull more current than the actual stereo power?

the yellow wire is the main feed for the radio, red wire simply turns it on, allot of radios the yellow wire is a heavier gauge than the rest. Clarion radios for example have 2 yellow wires on the ones with CEnet capabilities. One yellow for the radio itself and another to power anything hooked up to the CEnet port (cd changer, sat radio, EQ's, processors, etc)