The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Lucas, Ignition, Charging, Electrical => Topic started by: simmsy53 on 17.05. 2023 08:55

Title: Ammeter
Post by: simmsy53 on 17.05. 2023 08:55

Does the ammeter require an earth connection through the headlight cowl via the clamp?
Thanks
Pete

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: Bsareg on 17.05. 2023 09:25

Simple answer, no earthing required for the ampmeter.

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: jhg1958 on 17.05. 2023 11:35

No
I suppose it could be illuminated and need an earth but I have never seen this.

There should be two wires one from your fuse/battery and one to your switch.  Both live.

John

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: Sakura on 17.05. 2023 17:31

Hard to earth a plastic cased ammeter!

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: jhg1958 on 17.05. 2023 18:09

True, Bloody hard to earth a metal speedometer.

I fitted an earth wire everywhere when I rewired my bike.

John

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: Sakura on 17.05. 2023 19:22

Quote from: jhg1958 on 17.05. 2023 11:35

No
I suppose it could be illuminated and need an earth but I have never seen this

John

Some earlier bikes illuminated the ammeter using borrowed light from a slot in the headlight reflector. Some also used an external light adjacent to the ammeter. Both illuminated through the plastic case.

Title: Re: Ammeter
Post by: Greybeard on 17.05. 2023 19:29

I fitted a clever tri-colour LED device to the plastic window of the ammeter that glows red for discharge, green for charging and yellow for a neutral reading. Mind you, I almost never ride in the dark so the pale glow in the ammeter was rather wasted.
I say 'fitted' but what I mean is I stuck it on with Blue-Tac