stupid mercury volt meter question

[stackz]

ok, the one gauge I dont have which I consider important is a volt/battery gauge.

are these like the tachs where you can have ones for inboard and others for outboards??

or is it pretty much universal

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: stupid mercury volt meter question

No such thing as a stupid question, better to ask and learn than to not ask and fry something.

A voltage meter is universal for any 12v system. It simply has a + and a - connection (and maybe a backlight that will have a separate + and -). It connects to whatever devise you wish to measure, usually the battery.

 

[stackz]

Re: stupid mercury volt meter question

No such thing as a stupid question, better to ask and learn than to not ask and fry something.

A voltage meter is universal for any 12v system. It simply has a + and a - connection (and maybe a backlight that will have a separate + and -). It connects to whatever devise you wish to measure, usually the battery.

ok but arent there like 24v inboard systems and such??

thats why I was wondering if there were different type gauges?? 12v and 24v etc??

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: stupid mercury volt meter question

The vast majority of boats use 12v DC system, same as a car. But you are correct, 24v (and 36v) systems do exist, in which case you would need to use a 24v (or 36v) meter.

It is becoming common to find a combination 12/24v system (for 24v kickers), in this case you would use a 12v AND a 24v meter side by side.

A 24v meter will still read a 12v system although the graduation scale may not be fine enough. A 12v meter will not read a 24v system, frying will occur.

Any electrical circuit should be individually protected (fuse or CB), this includes any meters.

 

[stackz]

Re: stupid mercury volt meter question

cool, thanks man!