Harness Up-Grade

[Inter20sailor]

Hello Lads,

I will be ordering all the parts for the wiring upgrade. I spoke with seaward today (very helpful indeed!) and have pages of schematics and information.

While I verify some things prior to the order, can someone tell me the purpose of the Green square light 'service on' on the AC/DC panel? Mine does not illuminate, furthermore, my AC on (green round light) flickers, although I have steady AC power.

I just upgraded to the 'smart plug' and finally doing things right!

Forgot to mention: 1991 Cat30 MkII

 

[Stu Jackson]

Green light: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4344.0.html

A.C. flickering: don't know, what panel do you have? Tan/gold background with fuses, or black with white lettering and breakers? Do you have a reverse polarity light? If so with an older panel, there should be three lamps, left two flicker when OK, right off; when right goes on you have in issue. Replies #9 & #10 have photos, scroll down: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2620.0.html

When you install the new connectors, consider direct wiring instead of the Euro strips.

 

[Inter20sailor]

Stu,

I have the black panel, white letter. I only have a total of 3 lights. 1 small round red (reverse polarity), small green (the one that flickers).. AC on.

Then, on the bottom of the perko switch, green square 'service on' light, which I have never seen on. I am trying to figure out what the flicker means, if anything at all, and the purpose of the green service on light.

Furthermore, I will assume that I do not have the tinned copper wire for the harness... should I replace all the old wire with tinned?

Can you elaborate on the direct wiring? Thanks!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Stu,

1. I have the black panel, white letter. I only have a total of 3 lights. 1 small round red (reverse polarity), small green (the one that flickers).. AC on. Then, on the bottom of the perko switch, green square 'service on' light, which I have never seen on. I am trying to figure out what the flicker means, if anything at all, and the purpose of the green service on light.

2. Furthermore, I will assume that I do not have the tinned copper wire for the harness... should I replace all the old wire with tinned?

3. Can you elaborate on the direct wiring? Thanks!

1. Don't have that panel, and except for the green light source I linked you to, suggest you simply call Seaward. Here's a link to a link to their panels, download the pdf: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg39196.html#msg39196

2. If it was my boat, I'd look, but perhaps the harness upgrade says none of the older wire was tinned, don't know. You could go look. My PO did that work, so even if my 1986 wiring wasn't tinned, it's still working unless he did the wiring change, too. I just don't know, your call.

3. Direct wiring: Those who know, like, have swapped out their engines, say that hard wirting is simple 'cuz if you have to remove anything, you still have to undo the engine wiring, same for the cockpit end. Your boat, your choice. If I was doing it myself, I'd hard wire it, many less connections, and as we all know, 99% of all electrical issues are at the connections.

Good luck, it's a great thing you're doing.

 

[DanM]

Inter20,

I have the same green service light on my panel on my '85 TRBS. On my boat it is nothing more than a small lightbulb (I replaced it with a new one from Radio Shack because it flickered!) that lights up when there is DC power to the distribution panel. In other words, when it's lit up, the DC service panel is powered.

FWIW, I replaced the harness connectors years ago in my harness and have never had another problem with the original wires. I agree with Stu that the problems are mostly in the connectors.

Good luck!

DanM.