QUESTION:I think I've got a voltage drop in the circuit that takes care of my entertainment system. How do I test if this is the case?

If you think one of your components is experiencing a voltage drop, it is most likely due to unwanted resistance in the circuit connections, switches, or wiring. You can do a simple voltage-drop test to find the problem. Here's how:

• Since the circuit must be operating, turn on your entertainment system.
• Next, set your multimeter to D.C. volts.
• As the component being tested must be between the meter's two probes, place one of the probes on one side of the component and the other probe on the other side.
• If your meter reads zero volts, the voltage drop does not exist at that component.
• Repeat this procedure for every component on that particular circuit.

A voltage drop will be indicated when the meter reads voltage. Usually, depending on load, a voltage drop greater than 0.5 volts indicates a problem.

As for the culprit, long runs of undersized wiring can cause excessive voltage drops, so check your wiring runs and, if necessary, increase the wiring size. In addition, as heat is generated with voltage drops, you may want to check your components for excessive heat. Once you've isolated the culprit, have it cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

This from Power & Motoryacht Magazine, October 2002, Maintenance Q+A by Capt. Ken Kreisler

P & G Home

Back to our 'Boating' HOME PAGE

If you have any suggestions, corrections or improvements, click here to send us an e-mail.

Thank you for visiting.

This Site Designed, Created and Maintained by
P & G Web Consulting
Better By Design
e-mail George Valdes@PGWebConsulting.com
www.pgwebconsulting.com