Volt/ammeter connections

[cindersailor]

Why would engine panel volmeters and ammeters have three terminals? labeled G(ground), L (live) and S (sender?). It would seem to me that only the first two would be required in each case.

 

[aztec]

you may find that the L is actually the light.

 

[cindersailor]

Unfortunately that is not the answer, the light is wired separately.

 

[pampas]

What Make ?

 

[cindersailor]

Not sure of the make as there is none written on it, but the body is moulded from pale green/blue plastic and has a kind of upward water-spout type symbol moulded in.

 

[pampas]

Sounds like a very old Whale instrument I believe no longer made, a volt meter usually has 2 connection and if the light is "Inbuilt" 3, like wise for the ammeter, VDU temp guages have three, also the sender has 2 spade connectors Oil and water temp), Thats all the advice that I can offer,

 

[VicS]

Does the light actually have two wires to it. If not then one of the three presumably the G is connected to the case to provide the second connection to the light, leaving S and L as the connections to the instrument itself.

All the old car type gauges I have do have a single contact bulb with the return via the case< but I have no idea what the S and L might actually stand for.

 

[Danny]

[ QUOTE ]
...but I have no idea what the S and L might actually stand for.

[/ QUOTE ] Source and Load maybe (for the ammeter)?