I searched for a similar question but may have missed this. I also know from reading other posts that wiring is a "hot" topic (no pun intended) that can lead to spirited debate, but here goes.
Project started as a simple pre-launch install of a couple of LED lights and new VHF, but the undocumented rat's nest - multiple open ended leads attached to unmarked fuses, etc. - at my accessory panel drove me to basically start over. Bought a nice new fuse panel, a couple of terminal buses, labeled what was obvious and began adding back the unmarked circuits to figure out what's what. All is proceeding okay, except ...
1. I have a simple 1/2/BOTH switch in the transom and two POS leads that appear at the helm. I was half expecting that if I had the switch to "OFF" the meter would read zero volts on the panel leads to avoid total drainage of the system if something was left on - nope. I also thought with 2 POS leads one would be dead depending on the 1 or 2 switch position - Nope. So my question is - Is the only function of the 1/2/Both switches to insure you can get as much juice to start the motors as possible if the start battery is low? Or is the 1/2/Both switch not installed properly, i.e., should I be able to run items on the accessory panel ONLY from the house battery?
I'm half thinking of re-doing the aft end too - the transom well is almost just as big a wiring mess.
Project started as a simple pre-launch install of a couple of LED lights and new VHF, but the undocumented rat's nest - multiple open ended leads attached to unmarked fuses, etc. - at my accessory panel drove me to basically start over. Bought a nice new fuse panel, a couple of terminal buses, labeled what was obvious and began adding back the unmarked circuits to figure out what's what. All is proceeding okay, except ...
1. I have a simple 1/2/BOTH switch in the transom and two POS leads that appear at the helm. I was half expecting that if I had the switch to "OFF" the meter would read zero volts on the panel leads to avoid total drainage of the system if something was left on - nope. I also thought with 2 POS leads one would be dead depending on the 1 or 2 switch position - Nope. So my question is - Is the only function of the 1/2/Both switches to insure you can get as much juice to start the motors as possible if the start battery is low? Or is the 1/2/Both switch not installed properly, i.e., should I be able to run items on the accessory panel ONLY from the house battery?
I'm half thinking of re-doing the aft end too - the transom well is almost just as big a wiring mess.