MotorGuide Wireless - Manual (Page 16)

Section 3 - Product Installation, Wiring, and Battery Information
Page 12 90-8M4002601
eng
JUNE 2010
Standard Practice and Procedures
IMPORTANT: Unplug the trolling motor after each use and when charging the battery.
•
Do not use the main engine battery to power the trolling motor.
• Route the trolling motor wires on the opposite side of the boat from other boat wiring.
Battery Recommendations
• Use a 12 volt, deep cycle marine battery. Refer to Battery Connection.
• Install a 50 amp manual reset circuit breaker in line with the trolling motor positive leads within 180 cm (72 in.) of the batteries.
• Use 13 mm (6 gauge) battery cables if extending the existing wire 3 m (10 ft) beyond the standard battery cable supplied with
the product.
Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number
6 gauge battery cable and terminals with 50 amp manual reset circuit breaker MM309922T
50 amp manual reset circuit breaker MM5870
Battery Precautions
!
WARNING
An operating or charging battery produces gas that can ignite and explode, spraying out sulfuric acid, which can cause severe
burns. Ventilate the area around the battery and wear protective equipment when handling or servicing batteries.
When charging batteries, an explosive gas mixture forms in each cell. Part of this gas escapes through holes in the vent plugs
and may form an explosive atmosphere around the battery if ventilation is poor. This explosive gas may remain in or around the
battery for several hours after it has been charged. Sparks or flames can ignite this gas and cause an internal explosion, which
may shatter the battery.
The following precautions should be observed to prevent an explosion:
1. Do not smoke near batteries being charged or which have been charged very recently.
2. Do not break live circuits at terminals of batteries, because a spark usually occurs at the point where a live circuit is broken.
Always be careful when connecting or disconnecting cable clamps on chargers. Poor connections are a common cause of
electrical arcs which cause explosions.
3. Do not reverse polarity of battery terminal to cable connections.
Wire and Cable Routing
• Route the trolling motor wires on the opposite side of the boat from other boat wiring.
• Accessories should be connected directly to the main engine battery.
Establishing a Common Ground
A common ground (–) connection increases sonar sensitivity, improves sonar display, and avoids the ground circuit as a possible
source of corrosion or electrolysis. Plug in all main engine accessories and the trolling motor to the same negative ground (–)
terminal to establish a common ground.
Electrolysis
Using the main engine battery as a power source for the trolling motor may cause electrolysis on metallic parts. If the motor and
battery wiring are installed correctly and electrolysis issues continue, separate the trolling motor from any other boat electronics.
Using the main engine battery as a power source for the trolling motor is not recommended. Refer to Battery Connection for
correct installation.