When to re-wire ?

[doca]

I have noticed a time lapse sometimes, can vary from between 1 second and maybe 5 seconds, between when I turn on a switch and when the light comes on. This happens both in the interior and the exterior lights. Is it time to re-wire or should I just check all the connections, or is there another explanation for this ?. Alfresco is a 1979 Dufour 31 and I have her 5 years. I don't think rewiring was carried out in the past but it is some load of spagetti in there !! and I just dont understand electrics at all. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Krusty]

Electric voltage and current are, for lighting purposes, instantaneous. Inadequate or corroded wiring usually reveals itself by dim lights from a good battery, not by time delays.
However, I have known delays caused by worn and 'sticky' switches, so that's where I would start checking first. Also battery terminals for tightness; and fuse-holders if your boat has such an archaic system.
When I rewired PIOTA twenty years ago I installed circuit-breakers: they have done their job effectively and reliably.
If you don't have a multimeter buy one; not expensive.
And a 'beginners' book on boat electrics.
Good luck!

 

[Billjratt]

Check the connections visually. If there's a"fizzer" that needs to warm before it conducts properly, there will probably be discolouration of the insulation or any other plastic bits around. Clean and tighten to fix.

 

[Spuddy]

Re: beginner\'s book

There are several but one that spells it all out and has good pictures is Electrics Afloat by Alistair Garrod. Or if you want it cheaper do a search and there are links to several online guides. Sounds pretty urgent to me.

 

[William_H]

Re: beginner\'s book

Get some electrical contact cleaner or even WD spray and blast it into the switches where the lever goes in. This might just fix the problem for a while. The damp atmosphere is not good for cheap switches.
It is most likely the switches are the problem and will have to be replaced. The wiring itself is probably OK although when iot gets old it is difficult to make new connections due to corrosion. good luck olewill

 

[milfordman]

Re: beginner\'s book

As others have said the most likely cause of your problem is faulty switches. If you can get to the contacts it may be possible to clean them fine grade wet and dry used dry. If this only gives you a temporary cure, then you will have to replace them. When you make alterations to the wiring I strongly recommend that you use crimped connectors, crimped with a good quality tool. Screw fix can supply all your wiring needs.

 

[Anthony]

Re: beginner\'s book

alot of switch contacts are plated, so if u abrade them then they can deteriorate quickly. Given the relative low cost of them its often better to replace them if they no longer work properley.

I presume we are talking 12v lights here, not mains? Otherwise obviously extreme caution must be used around 240v.

Get a multimeter and with the battery disconnected measure the resistance of the switch on and off (ideally disconnected from the wiring), and whilst your at it measure the resistance fro the switch thru the wiring to the light fitting and then back from the light fitting to the negative battery terminal. It should become pretty obvious where the fault/s are.

Good luck,

Anthony