Shorting Out the Running Lights

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Steven

The (correct) bulbs for my bow and stern running lights burn out shortly after being installed and the lights are turned on for night sailing. At around $3.00 a pop, it is getting expensive to go out on a night sail. It has been suggested that the two 12 volt batteries may have been connected to each other in such a way that 24 volts are being generated. However, the volt meter reads 14 volts at the most when using both batteries simultaneously. Could the batteries be producing 24 volts and the meter not reflect this? Can someone explain in a simple manner (a diagram or foto would help) how the two batteries would need to be connected to prevent producing 24 volts? Thanks. Steven
 
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Ted

Eletrical woes . . .

To have your 2 batteries put out 12 volts (assuming they are 12 volt batteries), they should be connected "in Parallel" + to + and - to -. One thought about your lights. . . They could be 6 volt bulbs and perhaps the bow & stern lights are supposed to be set up in series. I would check the voltage at the light socket directly and then verify the volt rating for the bulb. Regards, Ted
 
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