Triumph Repair: 77 spitfire ignition, volt meter, test light

Question
I was installing a radio in my spitfire and when removing the top fuse it broke in my hands.When i replaced it the car would start but it would not shut off. I have to disconnect the drive resistor to kill the engine.I noticed that the battery is now dead.thank you for your help

Answer
Hi Vito,
When you have any electrical problem you need to take a wiring diagram and a test light or volt meter and start following the trail of power or lack of power. From what you say you have the power to the ignition system at all times with the key off.
So you must start at the load (coil) and with the battery charged up and key turned off, start testing with your test light on the white wires and follow the wiring diagram and test at each joint going toward the ignition switch to see where the power is coming from. When you have power on a circuit and it should not be there, you need to unplug each connector as you proceed. This method will let you find where the power is coming from.
If you see that as soon as you connect the charged battery to it's cable, the ignition is powered, remove all of the wires from the alternator and test it again.
Let me know,
Howard