Battery guage installation ?

[PAkev]

I just purchased a surface mount digital LCD battery guage. The display rotates every 5 seconds between my 12V cranking battery and my two 24V (series) trolling motor batteries. <br /><br />The instructions indicate installing the wires directly to the batteries but the guage does not have a on/off power source. Therefore, I am concerned about the guage sponging power from the batteries when the boat is not in use. The only alternative I can think of is two seperate in-line switches.<br /><br />Helpful thoughts appreciated

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Battery guage installation ?

Thats right. You'll need to put in a switch to your gauge or it bleeds off of the batts.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Battery guage installation ?

I think I would wire the starting sensor wire and the power wire to the ingnition switch so it turns off when you shut the engine off. Your trolling batteries I would wire thru a solid state switch also picked from the ingnition switch.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Battery guage installation ?

I would think that the power drain would be very minimal but if you want to put in a switch just get a double pole single throw switch and that way you only need 1 switch to shut off both inputs to gauge.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery guage installation ?

you be suprised how fast a gauge can drain a battery. been there done that

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery guage installation ?

Get a switch