+/- Query

[Stevec1]

Been working on a boat,problem we encounted was port engine is wired + for ignition and heater plugs. starboard is wired negative for ignition and heater plugs is this a common thing????. Any useful answers be welcomed. Thanks Steve

[Tony Brooks]

Been working on a boat,problem we encounted was port engine is wired + for ignition and heater plugs. starboard is wired negative for ignition and heater plugs is this a common thing????. Any useful answers be welcomed. Thanks Steve

 

 

No it is not and unless they use totally different and insulated batteries it is a recipe for a fire on a metal boat - and maybe a wooden or GRP boat.

 

Wiring a boat positive earth is an ideal way of encouraging corrosion on a metal boat.

 

The only thing that may be relevant but I have only half formed an opinion is that could this be a 24 volt battery feeding two 12v systems wired in series. Even so it is exceptionally unconventional.

 

When you say "ignition" is this a petrol inboard because if so you may have a positive earth coil fitted to a negative earth engine and that would require using the "wrong" symbols as in SW & CB on the coil.

[Stevec1]

Not petrol, ford diesels sepperate batteries both batteries have cut offs. Boat is grp By ignition i ment as in the ignition switch

Edited October 16, 2012 by Stevec1