voltmeter

[rbyeab]

I am having trouble with my batteries. I plan to buy a new one, but I want to be sure in the future I know the condition of both of them. I have a voltmeter I would like to install, and I want to set up a switch so I can read the volts on each batter. Can I just run a line from each one to an a-b type switch or is there more to it? Also I am not sure my motor is charging the batteries. Can I use a volt meter to test output from the engine while it is running somehow. thanks for the input.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: voltmeter

The line to a a-b switch will work fine. You may want a 3 position switch so that you can leave the voltmeter not connected to either battery when you store your boat. The meter does have a small amount of current draw.<br /><br />You can check the motor charging with the voltmeter E.Z. Before starting your engine the volts will read around 12.6. When you start the motor the volts will drop alot. Once started the volts should pop right back past 12.6 and settle into 13 to 14 volts. When you see the 13 to 14 volts then the engine is charging the battery.<br /><br />- Brian

 

[Silvertip]

Re: voltmeter

The 13 - 14V reading will not generally occur at idle but should register at anything above 1500 - 2000 RPM.

 

[swist]

Re: voltmeter

You may want a 3 position switch so that you can leave the voltmeter not connected to either battery when you store your boat. The meter does have a small amount of current draw.<br />

The current draw of a voltmeter is insignificant, there is probably more leakage around the battery case due to crud, humidity, etc.