Hi, while trying to reconnect a wire (screw fell out) in the light bulb socket, I touched the + and - wires together (on our 1970 35’ CCC Sports Cruiser), I did not turn off the battery or breaker - dumb. There was a small spark and then the other two lights on that circuit went out. The ciruit breaker did not trip. Classic Square D panel and breakers - see pic. Anyway, I think the breaker is fine, but I am not totally sure which breaker it is? Any ideas as to what may be failing in the circuit? I would guess that something is fried, somewhere, but before I test all the breakers, start tracing wires-ugh, I thought I would reach out and see if anyone else has done something similar.
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Edited: Jul 04, 2024
Crossed 12 V light wires - now circuit not working
Crossed 12 V light wires - now circuit not working
6 comments
Comments (6)
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If you are dealing with light fixtures they are most likely 12v. The older commanders wiring for 12v was black and white cable, black being positive and white negative. You need to find your 12v fuses, most likely tube and find the blown fuse.
You can purchase an inexpensive tracer toner but be aware it does not work well with DC line voltage only good for finding wires where someone has mixed colors etc. I had to sort out the wires in. Canoe Cove Pilot house that had been rewired many times down in Mexico…. Not something you want to pay for by the hour. I have aalso used a simple continuity tester and 40 ft 2 wire test lead simple but it is way less expensive than current labor rates…. Plus with a 6 pack its not a bad way to spend an afternoon…..knowing the boat is maybe the best thing we get out of all of this.
Thanks, Jason and John. Yes it is 12 Volt. I will have to trace the wires, I believe it is one wire from the breaker box, feeding the three lights. I will check for a fuse, but think the circuit breaker is the only fuse.
Look for a 12V fuse panel, nothing of your 110vac will be involved. Do you have a 12vdc fuse panel behind the helm face?
Seek and ye shall find, or at least become, more familiar with your boat.
The photos are of the square D 120v panel I think? We had one in an old CanoeCove we restored… not marine grade gear …. We replaced it with Blue Seas. Our 31 Commander also has the ac panel and breakers replaced. The 12 volt buss is the original glass fuse style, just fine for DC if using the modern marine tin coated stranded wire. Be sure to inspect your electrical system over the years Romex solid wire could have been used !!!! Big no no. Fiberglass boats tend to burn to the water line.
Thanks all, problem solved…turns out I am not the brightest bulb in the pack…I was looking at the wrong panel, the breaker was tripped. Turned the correct breaker on, off and on again, and voila, circuit is fine. I appreciate all of the Commander Club Members!