thumperclone wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:

I disagree thumper... justin_o_guy said; "Shorts are most often accompanied by telltale signs of electrons using a short cut to ground instead of running dutifully through the load they were intended to run thru."

But I believe in Hikers case we have a short to voltage. And maybe this is a misnomer, but you do have a pair of crossed wires.  

Because instead of smoke rising you have lights were there should be any.  In a way you're lucky.  In stead of replacing a rat's nest of burnt wire and various components, you got light.

And we have a good clue which wire to search down, Power to the tail!  (This is a much better thread, I wouldn't ever put my lips on a petc0ck!)  

Commentary: Snide remarks at the end of a helpful discussion are OK!  And when without, should be left in the cafe IMHO.   8)

verslagen1 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:

That's an idea.  If you don't have a meter, test the wires in your mouth and see if you blink.

Hmmm.  Let me think...

A short is when power goes straight to ground. Maximum current flow.

an open is a busted wire, zero current flow.

So, what DO we call it when 2 Hot wires get chafed & rub together? As long as they are both hot at the same time & the same voltage I spose it would be undetectable. IF lights are on when they aren't supposed to be on, I would guess this is what happened. Wires are crossed or just simply touching where the insulation has been wounded.
A fault? I thought that was a tennis term...or geology.

The USAF held me in classes for 9 months & force fed me electronics.

I have heard of "Ground fault Interrupter" devices. Dunno how that works.


I Hope this helps some.

A ground fault interrupter creates and open circuit when a short circuit to ground is detected.  It does this in mere milliseconds on the theory that you won't get fried that quickly...

I'm glad that we've got that straightened out.  Whew...

But when are we gonna unbolt the turn signal parts and see what's inside?

just a little note on GFI
a Ground Fault Interupter uses a bridge type circuit to measure the current flowing on the hot (black) and neutral (white) wires. If it detects a slight difference, it opens the circuit (turns off the power) cuz it assumes current from one side or the other is leaking out to ground (or thru someone/something).

guitarists with older Fender type amps (2 prong AC plug- w ground switch) have noticed that the amp's ground switch can trip a GFI

check all of the wires, if the insulation is torn by stretching the wire, then it's possible that somewhere hidden under the insulation is a broken wire.

Get them each a good tug, replace any wire the stretches.

Otherwise wrap with tape or even better shrink tube.

verslagen1 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03: