Wiring single battery

[madcat105]

Hey Guys

i know its probably come up before but i need some help on a wiring diagram for basic setup with a single battery.

i want to have a kill switch on battery, buss bars, panel of switches, all basic things like lights, radio, elec compass, bilge.

will be running 30hp electric start with forward controls.

if someone could point me in a direction of another forum link or a basic drawn diagram that would be great. and any other suggestions on safety items to include, perhaps a circuit breaker if required

thanks
-------

Brad

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Wiring single battery

Welcome to Iboats Brad, right at the top of this electronics forum there are 2 "sticky" threads that contain what you want.

Here is a link to one : http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=186986

 

[jhebert]

Re: Wiring single battery

See

Boat Electrical Circuits and Wiring Practices
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/boatWiring.html

 

[madcat105]

Re: Wiring single battery

ok thanks


would i run the outboard leads off the buss bars?or leave the outboard a direct connection to battery? if run off buss bar would 4 gauge wire be ok?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring single battery

The outboard gets its power through the large battery cables. Starters draw a huge amount of power which is why the cables are so big. They MUST stay connected to the battery. As the diagrams show, you run a red (+12 volts) and black (ground) #8 or #10 wires from the battery to the fuse panel. All your accessories get connected to the fuse panel. No buss bars are needed if they are incorporated into the fuse panel.

 

[madcat105]

Re: Wiring single battery

ok thanks silvertip.

another question

is it advised i have a kill switch to accesories seperate to outboard, and one also to outboard, ie. 2 switches

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring single battery

You do not use a master power switch in the engine battery cables. Again, because of the high current draw of the starter you would need a very large switch such as a battery disconnect switch. A battery disconnect performs the same function as disconnecting the positive battery cable at the battery. The only master disconnect you need (and even that's not necessary) is a master power switch on the console which indeed does kill power to the fuse panel and everything fed by it. It is only necessary if you are the "forgetful type" and tend to leave things turned on. The diagram in the sticky shows that master switch.