We have a 1991 Catalina 30 with a Universal M25XP engine. The OEM 51 amp alternator output now goes to the starter B+. We’ve read that a better idea is to wire it directly to the house bank. (Our house and reserve batteries are connected to an ACR.) The alternator now has a sense wire also connected to the starter B+ post.
When discussing connecting an alternator having an external regulator directly to the battery, Maine Sail shows the sense wires of the regulator connected to both positive and negative battery posts. I assume our OEM alternator has an internal regulator. If we connect it directly to the house bank, should we also move its sense wire directly to the house bank + post? In that case, how would the sensing circuit be grounded? For that matter, how is our alternator itself grounded? Just by the bolt connecting it to the engine block?
We’d appreciate any advice you might have for us.
When discussing connecting an alternator having an external regulator directly to the battery, Maine Sail shows the sense wires of the regulator connected to both positive and negative battery posts. I assume our OEM alternator has an internal regulator. If we connect it directly to the house bank, should we also move its sense wire directly to the house bank + post? In that case, how would the sensing circuit be grounded? For that matter, how is our alternator itself grounded? Just by the bolt connecting it to the engine block?
We’d appreciate any advice you might have for us.