TEST LIGHTS

FIGURE 8-2 A test light can be used to locate an open in a

circuit. Note that the test light is grounded at a different
location than the circuit itself.
 TEST LIGHTS
Continuity Test Lights
• A continuity light illuminates
whenever it is connected to
both ends of a wire that has
continuity or is not broken.

FIGURE 8-3 Self-powered test lights contain a battery, clamp, and

probe. This type of test light should not be used on any computer-
controlled circuits because the applied voltage can damage delicate
electronic components or circuits.
 TEST LIGHTS
LED Test Lights
• An LED test light uses an LED
instead of a standard
automotive bulb for a visual
indication of voltage.

FIGURE 8-4 High-impedance test light. An LED test light can be easily made using low-cost
components and an old ink pen. With the 470 ohm resistor in series with the LED, this tester only
draws 0.025 ampere (25 milliamperes) from the circuit being tested. This low current draw helps
assure the technician that the circuit or component being tested will not be damaged by
excessive current flow.
 TEST LIGHTS
Logic Probe
• A logic probe is an electronic
device that lights up a red
(usually) LED if the probe is
touched to battery voltage.

FIGURE 8-5 A logic probe connected to the vehicle

battery and relay used to check for power, ground, or a
pulse.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
• Digital multimeter (DMM) and digital volt-
ohmmilliammeter (DVOM) are terms
commonly used for electronic high-impedance
test meters.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
FIGURE 8-6 Typical digital multimeter.
The black meter lead always is placed
in the COM terminal. Except when
measuring the current in amperes, the
red
meter test lead remains in the V
terminal.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS

FIGURE 8-7 Common abbreviations used on the display face of many

digital multimeters. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS

FIGURE 8-8 A summary chart indicating what measurement type may be used to test which vehicle
system. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)
 TEST LIGHTS
• A test light is simply a light
bulb with a probe and a
ground wire attached.

FIGURE 8-1 A 12-volt test light is attached

to a good ground while
probing for power.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Voltage

• A voltmeter measures the pressure or

potential of electricity in units of volts.
• A voltmeter is connected to a circuit in
parallel.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Voltage

FIGURE 8-9 A typical autoranging digital multimeter automatically selects the proper scale to read the voltage
being tested. The scale selected is usually displayed on the meter face. (a) Note that the display indicates “4,”
meaning that this range can read up to 4 volts. (b) The range is now set to the 40 volt scale, meaning that the
meter can read up to 40 volts on the scale. Any reading above this level will cause the meter to reset to a
higher scale. If not set on autoranging, the meter display would indicate OL if a reading exceeds the limit of the
scale selected. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Voltage

FIGURE 8-10 Typical digital multimeter (DMM) set to read DC volts.

 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Resistance

• An ohmmeter measures the resistance in

ohms of a component or circuit section when
no current is flowing through the circuit.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Resistance

FIGURE 8-12 Typical digital multimeter showing

FIGURE 8-11 Using a digital multimeter set to OL (over limit) on the readout with the ohms ()
read ohms () to test this light bulb. The meter unit selected. This usually means that the unit
reads the resistance of the filament. being measured is open (infinity resistance) and
has no continuity.
DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Resistance
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Resistance

FIGURE 8-13 Many digital multimeters can have the display indicate zero to compensate for test lead resistance.(1)
Connect leads in the Vand COM meter terminals.(2) Select the scale.(3) Touch the two meter leads together.(4) Push
the “zero” or “relative” button on the meter.(5) The meter display will now indicate zero ohms of resistance. (Courtesy
of Fluke Corporation)
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Amperes

• An ammeter measures the flow of current

through a complete circuit in units of
amperes.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Amperes

FIGURE 8-14 In this digital multimeter set to read DC amperes, note that the red lead is placed
in the far left-hand socket of the meter. The meter is displaying the current flow (4.18A) through
the electric fuel pump on this General Motors 3800 V6 engine.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Measuring Amperes

FIGURE 8-15 An inductive ammeter clamp is used with all starting and
charging testers to measure the current flow through the battery cables.
 AC/DC CLAMP-ON DIGITAL MULTIMETER

• An AC/DC clamp-on digital multimeter

(DMM) is a useful meter for automotive
diagnostic work and uses a Halleffect sensor
to measure current.
 AC/DC CLAMP-ON DIGITAL MULTIMETER

FIGURE 8-16 A typical mini clamp-on-type digital

multimeter. This meter is capable of measuring alternating
current (AC) and direct current (DC) without FIGURE 8-17 An AC and DC current clamp such
requiring that the circuit be disconnected to install the as the one shown can be used with a regular
meter in series. The jaws are simply placed over the wire digital multimeter. The amp probe contains a
and current flow through the circuit is displayed. separate battery and electronic circuit that
converts the amperage reading into a millivolt
(mV) signal.
 FUSE YOUR METER LEADS!

FIGURE 8-18 Note the blade-type fuse holder soldered in series with one
of the meter leads. A 10 amp fuse helps protect the internal meter fuse (if
equipped) and the meter itself from damage that might result from excessive
current flow if accidentally used incorrectly.
 ELECTRICAL UNIT PREFIXES
• Electrical units are measured in numbers such as 12 volts, 150
amperes, and 470 ohms.
• Kilo (k) means 1,000.
• If the value is over 1 million (1,000,000), then the prefix mega
(M) is often used.
• Small units of measure expressed in 1/1,000 are prefixed by
milli (m).
• The micro unit is represented by the Greek letter mu (μ).
“OL” DOES NOT MEAN THE METER IS READING “NOTHING”

FIGURE 8-19 A summary of the test meter hookup.

 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
• Getting to know and use a digital meter takes
time and practice.
– Select the proper unit of electricity for what is
being measured.
– Place the meter leads into the proper input
terminals.
– Measure the component being tested.
– Interpret the reading.
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS

FIGURE 8-20 Always look at the meter display when a measurement is being made, especially if
using an autoranging meter. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
RMS versus Average

• Alternating current voltage waveforms can be

true sinusoidal or nonsinusoidal.
– A true sine wave pattern measurement will be the
same for both root-mean-square (RMS) and
average reading meters.
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
RMS versus Average

FIGURE 8-21 When reading AC voltage signals, a true RMS meter (such as a Fluke 87) provides a
different reading than an average responding meter (such as Fluke 88).The only place this difference is
important is when a reading is to be compared with a specification. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
Resolution, Digits, and Counts

• Meter resolution refers to how small or fine a

measurement the meter can make.
• The terms digits and counts are used to
describe a meter’s resolution.
– DMMs are grouped by the number of counts or
digits they display.
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
Resolution, Digits, and Counts

FIGURE 8-22 This meter display shows 052.2 AC volts. Notice that the zero beside the 5 indicates
that the meter can read over 100 volts AC with a resolution of 0.1 volt.
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
Accuracy

• Meter accuracy is the largest allowable error

that will occur under specific operating
conditions.
• Accuracy for a DMM is usually expressed as a
percent of reading.
– An accuracy of 1% of reading means that for a
displayed reading of 100.0 V, the actual value of
the voltage could be anywhere between 99.0 V to
101.0 V.
 HOW TO READ DIGITAL METERS
Accuracy

• Unacceptable 1.00%
• Okay 0.50% (1/2%)
• Good 0.25% (1/4%)
• Excellent 0.10% (1/10%)
 METER USAGE ON HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Many hybrid electric vehicles use system

voltage as high as 650 volts DC.
• These categories are ratings for overvoltage
protection and are rated CAT I, CAT II, CAT III,
and CAT IV.
 METER USAGE ON HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

FIGURE 8-23 Be sure to only use a meter FIGURE 8-24 Always use meter leads that are
that is CAT III rated when CAT III rated on a meter that is also CAT III
taking electrical voltage measurements on a rated to maintain the protection needed when
hybrid vehicle. working on hybrid vehicles.
 ALWAYS USE FUSED JUMPER LEADS

FIGURE 8-25 A typical fused jumper lead. Fused jumper (test) leads can be purchased or
can be made by a technician.
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 SUMMARY
1. Digital multimeter (DMM) and digital volt-ohmmilliammeter
(DVOM) are terms commonly used for electronic high-
impedance test meters.
2. Use of a high-impedance digital meter is required on any
computer-related circuit or component.
3. Ammeters measure current and must be connected in
series in the circuit.
4. Voltmeters measure voltage and are connected in parallel.
5. Ohmmeters measure resistance of a component and must
be connected in parallel, with the circuit or component
disconnected from power.
6. Logic probes can indicate the presence of ground, as well as
power.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Explain why most digital meters are called
high-impedance meters.
2. Describe how an ammeter should be
connected to an electrical circuit.
3. Explain why an ohmmeter must be
connected to a disconnected circuit or
component.
 CHAPTER QUIZ
1. Inductive ammeters work because of what
principle?
a) Magic
b) Electrostatic electricity
c) A magnetic field surrounds any wire carrying a
current
d) Voltage drop as it flows through a conductor
 CHAPTER QUIZ
1. Inductive ammeters work because of what
principle?
a) Magic
b) Electrostatic electricity
c) A magnetic field surrounds any wire carrying a
current
d) Voltage drop as it flows through a conductor
 CHAPTER QUIZ
2. A meter used to measure amperes is called
a(n) _____.
a) Amp meter
b) Ampmeter
c) Ammeter
d) Coulomb meter
 CHAPTER QUIZ
2. A meter used to measure amperes is called
a(n) _____.
a) Amp meter
b) Ampmeter
c) Ammeter
d) Coulomb meter
 CHAPTER QUIZ
3. A voltmeter should be connected to the
circuit being tested _____.
a) In series
b) In parallel
c) Only when no power is flowing
d) Both a and c
 CHAPTER QUIZ
3. A voltmeter should be connected to the
circuit being tested _____.
a) In series
b) In parallel
c) Only when no power is flowing
d) Both a and c
 CHAPTER QUIZ
4. An ohmmeter should be connected to the
circuit being tested _____.
a) In series
b) In parallel
c) Only when no power is flowing
d) Both b and c
 CHAPTER QUIZ
4. An ohmmeter should be connected to the
circuit being tested _____.
a) In series
b) In parallel
c) Only when no power is flowing
d) Both b and c
 CHAPTER QUIZ
5. A high-impedance meter _____.
a) Measures a high amount of current flow
b) Measures a high amount of resistance
c) Can measure a high voltage
d) Has a high internal resistance
 CHAPTER QUIZ
5. A high-impedance meter _____.
a) Measures a high amount of current flow
b) Measures a high amount of resistance
c) Can measure a high voltage
d) Has a high internal resistance
 CHAPTER QUIZ
6. A meter is set to read DC volts on the 4 volt
scale. The meter leads are connected at a 12
volt battery. The display will read _____.
a) 0.00
b) OL
c) 12 V
d) 0.012 V
 CHAPTER QUIZ
6. A meter is set to read DC volts on the 4 volt
scale. The meter leads are connected at a 12
volt battery. The display will read _____.
a) 0.00
b) OL
c) 12 V
d) 0.012 V
 CHAPTER QUIZ
7. What could happen if the meter leads were
connected to the positive and negative
terminals of the battery while the meter and
leads were set to read amperes?
a) Could blow an internal fuse or damage the
meter
b) Would read volts instead of amperes
c) Would display OL
d) Would display 0.00
 CHAPTER QUIZ
7. What could happen if the meter leads were
connected to the positive and negative
terminals of the battery while the meter and
leads were set to read amperes?
a) Could blow an internal fuse or damage the
meter
b) Would read volts instead of amperes
c) Would display OL
d) Would display 0.00
 CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The highest amount of resistance that can be
read by the meter set to the 2 k scale is
_____.
a) 2,000 ohms
b) 200 ohms
c) 200 k (200,000 ohms)
d) 20,000,000 ohms
 CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The highest amount of resistance that can be
read by the meter set to the 2 k scale is
_____.
a) 2,000 ohms
b) 200 ohms
c) 200 k (200,000 ohms)
d) 20,000,000 ohms
 CHAPTER QUIZ
9. If a digital meter face shows 0.93 when set
to read k, the reading means _____.
a) 93 ohms
b) 930 ohms
c) 9,300 ohms
d) 93,000 ohms
 CHAPTER QUIZ
9. If a digital meter face shows 0.93 when set
to read k, the reading means _____.
a) 93 ohms
b) 930 ohms
c) 9,300 ohms
d) 93,000 ohms
 CHAPTER QUIZ
10. A reading of 432 shows on the face of the
meter set to the millivolt scale. The reading
means _____.
a) 0.432 volt
b) 4.32 volts
c) 43.2 volts
d) 4,320 volts
 CHAPTER QUIZ
10. A reading of 432 shows on the face of the
meter set to the millivolt scale. The reading
means _____.
a) 0.432 volt
b) 4.32 volts
c) 43.2 volts
d) 4,320 volts
 Soldering
• Terminal connection can’t be only soldered
– Must also be crimped
• Soldering is normally not required
– Crimped connectors are acceptable to ABYC
– If solder, apply only to ring end of terminal
• Solder changes stranded wire into solid
– Stranded wire is flexible
• Use 40% lead / 60% tin, rosin core solder
• Battery lugs may be only soldered

MElec-Ch2 - 87
Heat-Shrink Tubing

Application Steps MElec-Ch2 - 88

 Coaxial Cable
• Antenna cable
• Radio coax is 50 ohm with PL-259
• Radio cable is cut to length
• Want attenuation under 3 db
• TV cable is 75 ohm with “F” connectors
• GPS cable is not cut to length
– Coil excess in 1-foot loops

MElec-Ch2 - 89
Coaxial Cable Information

MElec-Ch2 - 90
Soldering PL-259 Connector

MElec-Ch2 - 91
 Wiring Installation
• Basic Considerations
• Distribution Panel
• Fuses / Circuit Breakers
• Branch Circuits
– Wire
– Outlets
– Switches
• Grounding Systems
• Bonding Systems
MElec-Ch2 - 92
 Basic Considerations
• Must have source and return wires
– Return wires to a common point
– May use feeder wire from power panel for:
• engine, helm console, etc.
• Wires above flood level of bilge
– Waterproof if in bilge
• Insulated support every 18”
• Twist DC wires within 1 meter of compass

MElec-Ch2 - 93
 Distribution Panel
• Central location of Circuit Breakers / Fuses
– All branch circuits from this location

• AC and DC may be combined in one panel

• All equipment / circuits should go to panel

– Not direct to battery (except bilge pump)
• Noise interference suppression covered in Section 7

MElec-Ch2 - 94
DC / AC Power Panel

Front View
MElec-Ch2 - 95
 Inside Power Panel

Buss Bars

DC Side MElec-Ch2 - 96
 Fuses and Circuit Breakers
• Used to protect wiring from over current
– In positive or hot wire
• Newer boats use circuit breakers
– Initially more expensive
• Replace blown fuse with correct rating

• Circuit Breakers should be Marine Grade

– Trip free
– Manual reset

MElec-Ch2 - 97
 Branch Circuits - Wires
• Minimum size is 16 AWG
– See Wire Selection Tables
– For AC normally #14 for 15A and #12 for 20A
• Must terminate in closed electrical box
• Of sufficient length
• DC negative returned to DC Panel
– May use several negative feeder terminals
• AC neutrals returned to AC Panel
• Bonding system never used as return wire
MElec-Ch2 - 98
 Branch Circuits - Outlets
• 120 VAC outlets must be 3-wire polarized
– Black (hot) to brass or copper colored terminal
• Outlet wires must have crimp terminals
• GFI outlets
– Required on weather deck, head, galley and
machinery spaces
– Good practice for all AC outlets to be GFI
– Trip at 5 milliamps
• Different outlets for AC and DC power
MElec-Ch2 - 99
 Outlets and Plugs
12 VDC 120 VAC 120 VAC 120 VAC

DC Outlet
(Receptacle) 15 A Outlet GFI 15 A 20 A Outlet
Outlet

DC Plug
AC Plug 15 A AC Plug 20 A
MElec-Ch2 - 100
 Branch Circuits - Switches
• Modern panels use Circuit Breakers
– Which also double as switches
• Switches / Circuit Breakers
– Must be Marine Grade
– Rated for the voltage and current controlled
– Interrupt the positive (DC) or hot (AC) leg
• Battery Switch
– Designed for high current service
– Not located in engine or fuel-tank compartments

MElec-Ch2 - 101
 Grounding System
• Ground is potential of water around boat
– Or potential of earth’s surface
• DC – Ground Battery negative terminal(s)
– Also engine block
– Wire color is Yellow (or Black)
• AC – Transformer center tap on shore
– Also connected to ground rod at transformer
– Wire color is Green and uninterrupted wire
• Isolation transformers and galvanic isolators are exception
and covered in Chapter 4 on AC
• Engine, DC negative & AC ground connected
MElec-Ch2 - 102
 Bonding System
• For lightning protection
– More in Chapter 6
• All metal objects should be bonded
– Keeps all metal at zero potential
– Engine blocks
– Battery negative terminals
• Non-current carrying wire
• Through-hull fittings
– ABYC now recommends they be bonded
– Electrically isolated from metal hull MElec-Ch2 - 103
Bonding Diagram

MElec-Ch2 - 104
 Wiring Diagrams
• Elements of a Good Wiring Diagram
– Documents boat’s electrical layout
– Should be kept current
– Used for troubleshooting

• Component Identification
– Physical objects to their symbol
– Wires are color coded

MElec-Ch2 - 105
Wiring Diagram Symbols
Incandescent Light
Wire (insulated, metal conductor)

Wires crossing (but NOT connected) Alternate symbol for Light

Wires connected (at dots) Circuit Breaker

Fuse
Battery (long line on top is positive)

Ground
Switch, single pole, single throw (SPST)

Male Connector
Switch, single pole, double throw (SPDT)

Female Connector
Switch, double pole, single throw (DPST)

MElec-Ch2 - 106
Simple DC Wiring Diagram

MElec-Ch2 - 107
 Summary
• Circuits should be off when working on them
• Use only marine grade properly sized wires
– Tables will help determine proper wire size
– Minimum wire size is #16 AWG
• Use wire terminations and ratcheting crimper
• DC circuits are 2 dedicated wires
– Waterproof wire connection in bilge
• AC circuits are 3 dedicated wires
– GFCI in galley, head, machine spaces & weather deck
• Separate Grounding & Bonding systems required
MElec-Ch2 - 108
• Keep wiring diagram current