Sea Life

10 Basic Rules For Wiring A Boat

Basic Rules For Wiring A Boat

Wiring a boat is not as difficult as it sounds, however, there are certain suggestions and considerations which prevent major damage. This article focuses on major rules which must be followed while wiring a boat to prevent all sorts of problems. Here we go. 

10 Basic Rules For Wiring A Boat

Enlisted below are the basic rules for wiring a boat:

Rule #1: Electric Planning

First and foremost is to decide and make a plan by drawing a schematic flowchart that shows the position of equipment, switches, and fuses to connect.

Rule #2: Battery Selection

Decide the location of the batteries where you want to install them. Once it is decided, then look for the type of battery as well as the capacity it holds. The selection of the battery is important because it is the powerhouse for starting, lighting, and instrumentation.

Rule #3: Ignition Protection

Make sure to install batteries near the engine and keep the switch ignition protected, which means that when the switch is on, it does not emit gas fumes. Usually, circuit breakers are used which are protected to cause any spark.

Rule #4: Installation Of Fuse Block

Next is to install a fuse block near the switch of the battery. Keep a distance of 7 inches between the block and the switch of the battery. The fuse block should be installed for the purpose to protect the wire which allows a current of 15 amp to pass on.

Rule #5: Determine The Position Of The Equipment

Locate the position of the various equipment such as depth finders should be installed at such particular regions where they can be easily visible. Radios, on the other hand, should be positioned so that the operators can get easy access to them.

Rule #6: Positioned The Buss Bars, Fuses, And Panels

The position of the fuse switch panels and the bus bars should be maintained near the equipment to easily power up and to make them accessible for operation.

Rule #7: Connect The Wires

Use good quality crimpers and strippers to connect a wire. Cheap crimpers produce poor crimps – poor crimping results in poor connections and can break easily over high resistance.

Rule #8: Draw A Sketch Diagram Of The Wiring

Draw an entire layout of the wiring showing the position of fuse boxes, equipment, and bus bars so that you can easily replace them if damaged.

Rule #9: Start Installing Everything

Start from the battery, then go for the fuse block, bus bars, switches, and then each piece of equipment you want to install.

Rule #10: Test Each Item

After successful installation, now turn on the power to check the working of each item – troubleshoot as you go.

Bottom Line

Well, the wiring of the boat requires some skills and expertise. Buying the best equipment, switches, bar boxes, and especially batteries of good type and capacity is suggested as these are the main powerhouse that controls the whole electricity of the boat. Once you install everything, test all of them before use to avoid damage.

About the author

Zubaria

I am a Scholar and a dedicated content writer. I am on a mission to stamp out the importance of one of the ocean's most fascinating and remarkable creatures, the sharks, and to let people know about their role in keeping the ecosystem in equilibrium.