Help - Odd Electrical Issue

[dstmartin]

Recently I replaced my on board charging system and added a new VHF radio. The electrical distribution block was long in the tooth, so I decided to update that as well. I have a two-battery system on a Perko switch, newer batteries - both showing 12.8V on my multimeter. So when I connect everything up and switch on the radio I get nothing. Connect the radio directly to the battery and it works fine. With Perko switch in 1/2/ALL positions I measure 12.8V at the distribution block + and - poles and at the connections for the individual circuit. Checked polarity - good. The in-line fuse and distribution block fuse is good, but the radio or other components do NOT power up. I've tested repeatedly and definately have power at the block. Scratching my head...

Normally, I would assume issues with the ground, but I'm seeing the 12.8V at the block. For next steps I plan to to try to trace forward from the batteries, through the switch, to the electrical distribution block, but I'm not hopeful because I see power at block already. Any suggestions? I'm out of tricks. Thanks for any possible courses of action in advance.

 

[alldodge]

Power ON and use voltmeter to trace back is the only way.

 

[gm280]

What "ground" are you using to read the voltage at the distribution block? If the block reads voltage, follow to the radio for that power using the same ground you used at the block. It that reads there, you either have a broken ground connection to the radio, or there is a missing connection to the radio AND to all the other circuits as well. And I am suspecting that missing connection is the GROUND! JMHO not being there myself to test.

 

[dstmartin]

What "ground" are you using to read the voltage at the distribution block? If the block reads voltage, follow to the radio for that power using the same ground you used at the block. It that reads there, you either have a broken ground connection to the radio, or there is a missing connection to the radio AND to all the other circuits as well. And I am suspecting that missing connection is the GROUND! JMHO not being there myself to test.

Thanks. I'm using the main ground cable to the distribution block. The cable tests out with a 12.8V circuit. The radio works fine directly connected to the battery. All circuits fail to work. Tracing the ground integrity next.

Again, thanks for the reply.