installing lights

[jshfla]

Hello folks

I am totally a novice at trying to do wiring. I have a 12' john boat and I want to install bow and stern lights,
there are none now. Also want to but some other lights for night fishing.
So I have a single battery and want to also use switches. So how do I connect to switches and battery.

Sorry for such a basic question but I want to do right.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: installing lights

If you will look in the sticky notes I am sure it will show you what you need to know.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=225399

 

[Silvertip]

Re: installing lights

Here is a diagram showing how lights are wired. The second diagram shows how bow and stern lights get wired.

You cannot use a standard ON-OFF switch for NAV lights. When anchored only the stern light is supposed to be on. When moving - under power or drifting both need to be on. Hence the need for a ON-OFF-ON switch.

 

[jshfla]

Re: installing lights

If you will look in the sticky notes I am sure it will show you what you need to know.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=225399

Already did that.

Thanks

 

[jshfla]

Re: installing lights

So what would I have to get to come off the battery. A fuse panel to connect the lights to for power?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: installing lights

Fuses are fuses. You can make this as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Any auto store can provide battery clamps that have a stud on them to connect ring terminals. Buy riing terminals and a crimping tool (or solder the leads to the terminals). Buy a single in-line fuse holder like the one shown below. It takes standard auto style fuses and is water resistant . One end attaches to the POS terminal on the battery. The fuse should be located within six inches of the battery. The other end goes to the switch. The switch shown in the picture is available at Radio Shack. Mount the switch wherever you like or go to Radio Shack and buy a small plastic "Project Box) and mount the switch in that and secure the box to the side of the boat or wherever you wish. Wires run from the switch to the lights and the ground wires from the lights back to the NEG terminal on the battery. Done -- go fishing. If you intend to continually add accessories then you need a fuse panel and some sort of switch panel and wiring gets a lot more comlicated but the stickies show you what that looks like.

This fuse holder does not come with the terminals. The one on the right is a ring terminal. The one on the left is a bullet connector. Both types are crimped but soldering and heat shrink will work if you know how. And it will also spark discussion here.