Minn Kota current draw question

[Billy]

I have a Power Drive and was wondering if anyone has noticed if thier motor has a constant current draw with the motor off. The other day I had my battery unhooked and when I connected the wires back I noticed a slight spark. This battery is for my trolling motor only so nothing else is pulling on it. I then unplugged the motor and no spark. I was told by another board member that he has heard that they do constantly draw a little current. Has anyone else noticed this before I dive in and try to find another problem? Ive got all my wires run through plastic conduit so I dont think there is a problem with them. Thanks Billy

[Psmith]

I'm not an electrician but I'd say theres no spark when you unplug it because you don't have a complete circuit

[Barnacle Bill]

That would be normal for a PD motor. Even with the motor off there are other things that draw a small amout of current. That's why its a good idea to unplug it unless you have an on-board charger plugged in all the time.

[ffemt1271]

probably current going to the built in battery charge guage

[wasabi]

yup, they do draw a tiny bit of power. Over weeks (or more likely months) it can draw down a battery. I always unplug mine. Well, alsmot always. One off season I left it plugged in and it ran down my battery.

[rnvinc]

It's part of my ritual when I pull up the ramp to tie everything down and unplug the TM.