Ammeter question

[AlexHole]

I have a newly acquired 1951 350NH and the Ammeter is pointing to positive when I switch the lights on. Im assuming that either the ammeter is connected the wrong way round or the battery is. The battery is connected brown to '+' and black to '-'.

Does it matter which way round the battery is connected? If not can I simply swap the cables, or is that a big no no?

Many thanks.

[Bob.Murphy]

These bikes are usually 'Positive Earth', which is unusual these days. It may have been changed to the more normal 'Negative Earth' - particularly if it has LED lamps which won't usually work on positive earth.

However, just swap the Ammeter connections over if everything else checks out OK.

Note: if you change the battery polarity you will have to "Flash" the dynamo to change its polarity as well - it won't charge otherwise. Instructions are on here somewhere if you do a search.

Bob.

[AlexHole]

Thanks Bob

[dave.owen]

Most ariel I believe were neg earth, apart from 52-55ish when pos earth was used.

I'm sure someone will check.
Dave

[admin]

warning.
If you have an electronic regulator it WILL care whether you are positive or negative earth - so be careful in altering the polarity of the bike to match the ammeter.

Do as Bob suggests, and just swap the wires over on the ammeter....