Here are my best DIY tips for electrical troubleshooting. Because there’s nothing worse than flipping a switch on the boat and nothing happens. Where do you start figuring out the problem?
Troubleshooting Steps
As with most troubleshooting, start with the easiest (and most likely) issues first.
Check for Operator Error
Start by checking for an operator error. Is the correct breaker turned on at the panel? And is the item on?
Embarrassing but true, I don’t know how many times have I done one but not the other. I’ll start by flipping the breaker off and on, and turning the item off and on.
Check the Circuit
Try a different outlet on a different circuit if an item plugs in. If it works, you know it’s a wiring or fuse problem. And if it still doesn’t work, it’s a problem with the item.
If it’s hardwired, use a multimeter to check for power where the wires attach to the item. If there is power, it’s a problem with the item; if not, it’s in the wiring or fuse(s).
Fuse Problems
If you determine it’s a wiring or fuse issue after plugging an item into another circuit keep checking. Look for fuses in the wiring. And make sure all connections are tight, intact, and not broken.
If a fuse is blown, you must figure out why (and repair the problem) or it will just continue to blow. Likely culprits include:
- corrosion in the wire or a connection
- a poor connection
- too-small wire
- a too-small fuse
Remember, never use a fuse larger than recommended for the item. But also check if someone before you once didn’t have the correct size and put a smaller one in.
The problem could also be in the item itself. So check for fuses in the unit.
And even if the fuse looks good, try switching it out with a new one, just in case. More than once, I’ve had a fuse in the wiring or the item itself that did not look blown but was.
You may need to consult owner’s manuals to figure out if there are fuses in the item and where they are. If possible, check the wiring inside the item. ore than once I’ve found a broken wire or a disconnected one and was able to reconnect it.
Wiring Issues
If the problem is intermittent, and worse when batteries are low, check if the wiring is sufficiently large for the load. Too-small wiring will result in low voltage to the item (plus it’s a fire hazard!). See our Wiring Size Quick Reference.
To look for other wiring problems, start at the connection nearest the halfway point from the batteries to the item and check for power there. That will tell you which half the problem is in. Keep checking successive halfway points to locate the problem.
Overheating
Perhaps the items has just been working too hard. Let it sit for a while and let it cool down before turning it on again.
Replace the Item
If the item isn’t working and you can’t find the problem in it, the next step is a repair shop. Or replace the item.
If the replacement doesn’t work, and you know you have power to it, it could also be defective. Twice that happened to me and both times, it totally stumped me! New, out-of-box should work, right??
Repeat
It’s possible that there is more than one problem and that you’ll fix one problem, but the item still won’t work. Start the troubleshooting again from scratch.
And finally, you might not be able to solve the problem yourself.
Calling the Pros
I’ll be honest: if it’s a 110v wiring problem, I’ll hire a professional to deal with it. 110v systems are more complex than 12v, and also can kill you. 12v is pretty benign and I’ll fix or replace those wires myself.
Methodical and careful troubleshooting will help you repair many electrical problems on your boat. But even if you’re defeated and have to call in a professional, the knowledge you gain will help. Being able to describe the problem and the steps you took to resolve it to a technician just might save you a few dollars. And don’t worry. If it doesn’t help you this time, you’ll have plenty of issues appear on your boat in the future.
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