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Mast Head Wiring

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keithsinger
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/16/2013 : 13:04:53

I have to re-wire the connector end that attaches to the wires that go up the mast to the anchor light, the steaming light, and the deck light. I know the lights work, it's just that the plastic connector broke, so I only need to wire the new connector on the one end. The connector end that screws to the deck appears to be ok, which is good, because it does not look easy to re-wire either. I've purchased the new plastic connectors from CD. I have four wires. They are different colors at each end, so I presume the '87 has been retrofitted at some point previously. I would appreciate any tips on figuring out which is the negative and which are the three power going to the lights, and then how to figure out which wire goes to which pin on the connector. I envision myself at dusk trying combinations to see if something lights up. Is there a more practical method? There is a picture of what I am doing at my blog below, which may help to explain.

Boker Tov 1987 Catalina 25 Wing Standard Rig http://www.sailblogs.com/member/lemmonsway/

Edited by - keithsinger on 06/16/2013 13:08:37

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2013 : 17:02:17

Keith....see the parallel discussion in this forum entitled "Blowing fuses...." for the basics. In short, the largest pin will be ground. See the wiring chart for your year boat in the "Manuals" listed in the left column of the forum page. Typically, the green wire in your mast wiring harness will be the Negative for the three mast lights. To determine the others, the most reliable approach is as you suspect - trial and error, but see the discussion for tips. If additional questions, ask again. Its not difficult, just takes a little time.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2013 : 08:59:20

Draw a diagram of your plug on deck.

1, 2 3 and ground.

Turn on one of the switches and what it claims it runs.

Put your tester in the holes of the deck plug and see which one is hot.

Mark that one. Note the color of each wire on the back of your panel.
(The last one not hot is ground.)

i.e. orange says it is the anchor light and it is hot on the #1 position on the deck.

Go through each and then wire the mast side of the plug accordingly.

If it is incorrect, then simply change the connectors at the panel to match the label light.

Edited by - redeye on 06/17/2013 09:19:39

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.