T&T: Ammeter wiring

[Mark Richter]

Mark,
Your meter contains an internal shunt, which is why the alternator output
wire must be routed to the helm and back to the battery bank, which is
wasteful of power.  I'll bet the whole long run is about #10 gauge wire??

What you need is a meter with a separate shunt, like the Blue Seas 8016 (75
amp)
or 8017 (100 amp).  They're available from Defender for about $61, as well
as many other sources.  While doing this upgrade, why not up the wire size
at the same time?  You'll get a few more amps, and will be ready for the
eventual alternator upgrade.  Use #4 for alternators to 100A, or #2 if going
up to 140 amps or so.

Mark Richter, m/v Winnie the Pooh, Ortona, FL
Mark's Mobile Marine, Electrical systems