How to Wire a Boat Alternator
Wiring a boat alternator is similar to wiring a car alternator. Both generally operate on a 12- or 24-volt battery system, and the purpose of the alternator is the same: to power electrical devices and recharge the battery. Most car alternators can be wired in a boat, but a custom-made boat alternator is a better option. Boat engines run at lower engine speeds than a car, and boat alternators produce more electricity at lower engine revs. Alternators generally have two terminals, sometimes three, depending on the type and sophistication of the boat's wiring. Wiring a boat alternator is a moderately easy task and requires few tools.
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Instructions
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Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables from the boat's battery using a suitable-sized wrench before wiring an alternator. Move both the cables safely away from the battery.
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Find the terminals on your boat's alternator. One is the positive terminal and the other is the negative. If there is a third terminal it will either wire to a voltage regulator or to your battery warning light.
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Connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the alternator. The cable is nearby and is black. It will push on, or you need to loosen the terminal screw with a screwdriver. If the terminal has a screw, insert the cable under the screw and tighten the screw securely.
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Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal on the alternator. The cable is red and will be nearby. If the terminal has a screw, loosen the screw and insert the cable under it and tighten the screw. Push the cable connector on the terminal if it fits this way.
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Connect the wire to the third terminal, if it has one. This terminal is smaller than the two others. The wire can be yellow, blue or white. If you don't have a third wire, it means your voltage regulator or warning light are wired elsewhere. In that case, ignore the terminal. If you have an unconnected wire and a third terminal, either push the connector on the terminal or loosen the terminal and insert the wire under it. Tighten the screw.
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Reconnect the positive and negative battery cables to the corresponding battery terminals. Your boat alternator is wired.
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Tips & Warnings
There are different boat alternators on the market and, although the wiring is similar for each, there may be more terminals on some than others and the labeling may be different. Some alternators have built-in voltage regulators.
References
- Photo Credit motor boat. power boat image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
