03-03-2013, 11:25 PM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
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12V wiring help
I thought someone might be able to answer this for me. I have a riding lawn tractor. When I leave the battery connected for an extended period of time, something has been draining the battery. To combat this issue, I have disconnected the positive wire when not in use. This has worked fine but it is a PITA.
Can I just put a toggle switch on the positive line to stop the battery drain vs. having to disconnect the battery? Thanks |
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03-03-2013, 11:58 PM | #2 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Marion, Al
Posts: 16
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Re: 12V wiring help
Yes, but it shouldn't be too hard to track the drain down
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03-04-2013, 12:39 AM | #3 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
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Re: 12V wiring help
How would you track down the drain?
Thanks |
03-04-2013, 01:46 AM | #4 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 26
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Re: 12V wiring help
I wouldn't put a toggle switch on the positive line going to the battery. Most of those toggle switches are low amperage switches, and you could easily burn one up. The starter on the riding lawn mower could easily pull too much and burn up the switch.
You would be much better off using a small on/off Perko switch or use a car stereo marine grade 12v breaker and just trip the circuit when you are done. Each of those ways will handle the load that will be going across it. |
03-04-2013, 06:03 AM | #5 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Andover,ohio
Posts: 209
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Re: 12V wiring help
Trace your wiring ,something is going to ground and draining your battery.
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03-04-2013, 06:35 AM | #6 |
Medicare Recipient
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 3,541
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Re: 12V wiring help
. . . you could also install a knife switch at battery terminal . . .
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03-04-2013, 12:23 PM | #7 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
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Re: 12V wiring help
Does it matter if you switch the postive or the ground wire? I am looking for something as simple as possible.
The knife swicth would not work due to clearance issues with the battery being under the seat. Thanks |
03-04-2013, 05:35 PM | #8 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 26
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Re: 12V wiring help
Everything always says to put disconnect on positive side, can't really think of a reason it would matter one way or another, but that is how it always is.
When the circuit on the battery is open, it is open. It is probably just a matter of convention. |
03-04-2013, 06:56 PM | #9 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 909
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Re: 12V wiring help
Get a run/tow switch for about $25.
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03-04-2013, 08:13 PM | #10 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 495
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Re: 12V wiring help
If your lawn mower is like mine, it has an electric choke. It was the cause of my drain on my battery. Make sure your throttle is all the way down/slow when not in use and remember to take the key out/is in the off position.
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