Elictrical short
 

I have a short somewhere! I have twin batteries...both with cut offs. The dials are 1,2,both or off. When both batteries are in the "off" position, I can still run the motor for the motor cover. However, when the motor cover is open, I still get a spark when I hook up my second battery. Why would I have a draw with nothing running? Where should I begin to look? Thanks to everyone who may be able to help.
Tom

Re: Elictrical short
 

more then likley you have someting hooked up that bypasses the switch...When I install battery selector switches I ussually install the bildge pump wirring bypassing the switches so that the pumps will come on even with the swiches off

What you need to do is remove the switches and see what they have hooked up to the "common" post also whats hooked up directly to the batterys

Re: Elictrical short
 

The easy way to look for draw is to use a test light. Pull off your ground cable and put the test light btwn the ground terminal on the battery and the cable. If you have a draw the light will come on. As has been mentioned this could be a computerized bilge pump that is coming on automatically when you put the battery on, or even water in the bilge causing it to come on. It will run for a few then shut off. You do not likely have a short. If you did you would probably smell wire melting. You probably have a draw. Once you have the test light hooked up you can pull fuses and such tell you see the light go out and then you will know what you have as the problem.

Jon

Re: Elictrical short
 

I would look at stereo amps being hooked up bypassing the switch. Capacitors in the amps will draw current until they are charged, then stop. It seems like many stereo installers like going directly to battery supply for amps because taking the battery switches off and connecting there is too much work.

Re: Elictrical short
 

Thanks for all the input...going to run this weekend...will keep you posted!

Re: Elictrical short
 

Great advice above, the only other draw that is often overlooked is the radio's memory circuit, often goes to the battery to keep the radio stations programed

Re: Elictrical short
 

Ck the hour meters to see if they are wired correctly and if you have a dash clock.