What is this?

[mello mike]

For some strange and unknown reason, the previous owners totally changed out the 12v electrical system in my '72 Sovereign. There isn't an ATC or glass fuse box/panel like I'm acustomed to and the univolt has been replaced with a new Parallax/Magnetek 7455. I own a '72 maintenance manual, but it appears to be worthless when it comes to my 12v system.

Below is a pic of a portion of my 12v electrical system. I'm not sure what this is or its purpose. Can some of you electrical experts out there help me out with this one?

Thanks,
Mike

[john hd]

mike can you post a larger photo?

can't quite make it out.

john

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by john hd

mike can you post a larger photo?

can't quite make it out.

john

Thanks John, for responding.

Here's a link to a larger pic. I don't know how to post larger pics on this forum.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwAjA...96534155998504

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by mello mike

Thanks John, for responding.

Here's a link to a larger pic. I don't know how to post larger pics on this forum.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwAjA...96534155998504

What you have there is a circuit breaker panel. Power in is on the top, load out on the bottom. I am not sure I would want circuit breakers, if something goes out, I would like for it to stay out, till I can check and see what happened. Also, I am not fond of the "disco effect" of the lights flashing on and off in time to the circuit breaker resetting and tripping. A resetable C.B. would be best, it stays off until you reset it, after repairing the problem.
Terry

[john hd]

mike

terry is correct they are circuit breakers. common item, available at any napa or other well stocked auto parts place.

they do give you the advantage of never needing to carry spare fuses with you.

the disco effect, harley davidson is very fond of these breakers also. i have made a couple of very interesting runs home from the tavern with the lights blinking on and off ala saturday night fever! sure bet to attract the "bronze"!!

anyway here is the pic a little bigger...



john

[john hd]

guess i can't make the link work either, got the idea...


john

[74Argosy24MH]

But are they hooked up? The copper bar across the top should be the feed for all the circuit breakers but I don't see any wire to it.

John

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 74Argosy24MH

But are they hooked up? The copper bar across the top should be the feed for all the circuit breakers but I don't see any wire to it.

John

Maybe the big black wire supplies power to the rest through yet another circuit breaker?
Terry

[uwe]

You would have to remove the copper bridging bar and see which one of the wires has 12V power. That's going to be the one feeding the arrangement.
Acutally, this looks a lot neatr than my rats nest of wires and inline fuses next to the Uni-Volt..

[74Argosy24MH]

Bet you're right, I hadn't thought about that, just kept wondering where the feed was.

John

[mello mike]

That's what had me stumped from the beginning. If this is a circuit breaker then where is the 12v feed wire? I took voltage readings today and discovered 12v at each breaker. The negative lead of the volt meter was placed on the terminal lug to the right while the positive lead was placed on the load side of the breaker. It appears that one of the heavy guage wires is the feed. I'll verify that tomorrow.

thanks again for your help.

Mike