Switches in boat question 2000 310 sa

[Jetgod]

In my 310 I have 3 switches on the small bulkhead to the upper right of the sink. They are marked DC Lgts,AC Lgts,and Fan. I know that somehow the boat uses converted ac power to run DC lights when on shorepower.What I don't know is does this automatically happen whenever the ac converter is selected on in the ac breaker panel or do I need to activate the AC Lghts switch mentioned above? What does the ac lght switch do? Thanks for any help.:huh:

 

[src]

I have the same boat, and here's how mine works:
DC lights only work when (a) the 2nd battery switch is ON and (b) the Cabin Lights switch in the panel is ON
AC lights work when hooked up to shore power and the shore power switch is ON or the generator is running and its switch is ON.

I was surprised at first that I needed the battery switch to be on, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. They didn't wire two different sources to power the DC systems from the batteries AND the converter, they just used the converter to charge the batteries, and sourced the DC circuits directly from the battery.

 

[Jetgod]

src, thanks. I will play with the selections tonight and get back to the thread later.

I have the same boat, and here's how mine works:
DC lights only work when (a) the 2nd battery switch is ON and (b) the Cabin Lights switch in the panel is ON
AC lights work when hooked up to shore power and the shore power switch is ON or the generator is running and its switch is ON.

I was surprised at first that I needed the battery switch to be on, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. They didn't wire two different sources to power the DC systems from the batteries AND the converter, they just used the converter to charge the batteries, and sourced the DC circuits directly from the battery.

 

[src]

Also, to clarify the difference, the round overhead "puck" lights contain both AC and DC lights, but each bulb is controlled by a different switch. So the switches in the galley both control the same overhead fixture, but they energize different bulbs in the fixture. The same is true for the four switches on the wall under the dinette cabinets, by the main power panel.

Finally, the switches on the bulkhead right by the stairs control the "room" and accent (floor) lighting - allowing you to turn off all of the wall mounted "reading light" style fixtures with one switch as you leave the cabin.

There is some very non-intuitive design involved, but once you figure it out it will come together for you.

 

[Jetgod]

Thanks, all this really helps.Can't wait to test the theorys. Have a great weekend.

Also, to clarify the difference, the round overhead "puck" lights contain both AC and DC lights, but each bulb is controlled by a different switch. So the switches in the galley both control the same overhead fixture, but they energize different bulbs in the fixture. The same is true for the four switches on the wall under the dinette cabinets, by the main power panel.

Finally, the switches on the bulkhead right by the stairs control the "room" and accent (floor) lighting - allowing you to turn off all of the wall mounted "reading light" style fixtures with one switch as you leave the cabin.

There is some very non-intuitive design involved, but once you figure it out it will come together for you.

 

[GrandMaster]

At least yours are labled AC vs. DC...In my 290 they are not and it took me a while to figure out what the 2nd light switch (AC) was for.

 

[Jetgod]

src, Thanks alot. Switches all worked as advertised. One more thing figured out on my marvelous machine.Cheers, Richard

Also, to clarify the difference, the round overhead "puck" lights contain both AC and DC lights, but each bulb is controlled by a different switch. So the switches in the galley both control the same overhead fixture, but they energize different bulbs in the fixture. The same is true for the four switches on the wall under the dinette cabinets, by the main power panel.

Finally, the switches on the bulkhead right by the stairs control the "room" and accent (floor) lighting - allowing you to turn off all of the wall mounted "reading light" style fixtures with one switch as you leave the cabin.

There is some very non-intuitive design involved, but once you figure it out it will come together for you.

 

[src]

Well, I'm only about 4 weeks ahead of you on this adventure, so let me know if you find any secrets. Just glad to be of some help.

 

[Jetgod]

Love to be able to help in the future if possible.I have been on this site since last fall and have gleamed a wealth of knowledge from this site. Helped my decision making tremendously while I settled into buying my boat.

Well, I'm only about 4 weeks ahead of you on this adventure, so let me know if you find any secrets. Just glad to be of some help.