Basic Wiring Question

[lawndoctor]

To connect my new fuel flow meter to +12V that is controlled by the ignition switch, can I just connect it to the bolt on the back of one of my gauges that is labelled I (for Ignition)? The other 2 bolts are labeled G and S (which I assume are for Ground and Sender). Thanks.

 

[midway]

I would not connect anything to the bolts on the gauges, find your fuse block and then find an ignition switch controled fuse to connect it to. You don't want to mess with the power to the gauges as it could affect the operation of the gauges.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

Are you adding a gauge to your set up and you are looking for a ignition controlled 12 volt source which by ABYC color codes is purple?

 

[lawndoctor]

Thanks very much for the info and responses. I connected it to the ignition switch this morning. I used the lead with the purple wire, figuring Sea Ray follows BIA standards. Works perfectly.

The readings were 7.7 GPH at 2800 RPM and 8.2 GPH at 3000 RPM, in fairly calm water, tabs all the way down, 2 people on board. Does that sound about right for a 22-footer with a small-bock V-8? I think the straight 6 in my old SRV-190 burned about half that much.

 

[David Morgan]

SeaRay does NOT follow ABYC standards. I found wing nuts on my battery terminals. ABYC calls for nylock nuts. This seems like a minor point but it is not. Wingnuts back off quite frequently leaving loose electrical connections at the battery which can cause all kinds of problems. Perhaps BIA standards are more slack?

Concerning your fuel flow meter positive wire. It needs to have its own fuse in order to conform to ABYC standards. It is okay to connect it to the "switched" terminal at the keyswitch.

 

[lawndoctor]

I'm only aware of the BIA standards for DC wire colors, which I found on line. Thanks for the warning about the fuse. The manufacturer's instructions required an in-line fuse holder with a 1 amp fuse, which I followed.

BTW the gauge is made by Faria and their customer service has been outstanding. I had a question about the wiring when I was on board my boat in the middle of installation, and I called their technical support with my cell phone in one hand and a wrench in the other. Not only was the phone answered by a live person, but their rep actually answered my questions as I worked on the install.