ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS | ||||||
Click on the pictures to see the full size image and see details about the problem and solution that is described. |
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The pictures and their descriptions on this page illustrate some of the problems and the changes we made. While this was a large job the majority of the tasks involved were similar to ones encountered on smaller boats and the challenges encountered the same as experienced in upgrading other vessel systems. |
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PROBLEMS FOUND AND SOLUTIONS PROVIDED: |
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• Undersized wiring and the resultant excessive voltage drop, on a number circuits, was responsible for many of the system problems.What we did: First we reviewed the total electrical system looking at both problems and requirements. Then we used a circuit by circuit approach to correcting wiring problems. Problems located and corrected included undersized wiring, shorts, poorly routed wires and cables and inadequate support and protection. |
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• Incorrect grounding, the lack of adequate grounding was causing a variety of problems including intermittent equipment operation, alternator failure and radio interference. What we did: Located all ground cabling, traced them locating ground connection points. Relocated cables and connection points and installed them correctly. Replaced incorrectly sized connectors and tested connection conductivity. |
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• Inadequate over-current protection with multiple sources of power and numerous unprotected AC and DC circuits resulted in a collection of potential safety hazards.What we did: As circuits were analyzed, cables rerouted and correct over-current protection was added. This included a new circuit breaker panel, relocation existing over-current protection devices to conveniently located panels and installation of additional disconnect & transfer switches, fuses and breakers. |
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• Battery system arrangement, cabling and instrumentation resulted in an ineffective and hard to manage DC power system that includes 12 batteries grouped into three banks. Click on these pictures of the old system to see the changes made. What we did: Added a conveniently located NewMar DC Energy Monitor system. Removed bad connectors and redundant battery cabling used in long runs. Relocated and replaced one battery and added battery switches that permit selection of the source of power for battery charging.![]() ![]() |
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• Low voltage encountered from shore power sources at a number of marinas while cruising was 208 volts and inadequate to operate vessel AC systems.What we did: Installed a Charles Industries Smart Boost 50 transformer to boost the shore power voltage up to 240 volts. |
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