Specifications

14
Metallic fittings (through hulls, etc.) below the water line are electrically bonded together with green
plastic coated 8 gauge copper wire and connected to a common ship’s ground. This is done to
minimize the effect of electrolytic action when the boat is used in salt water.
8.2) Direct Current (D.C.) System:
The D.C. system in your yacht is powered by two 12-volt batteries connected in parallel to allow single
or combined use. All shipboard D.C. equipment runs from these batteries. The batteries are charged
from the engine alternator only when the engine is running.
The main electrical panel has a battery selector switch that allows use of either battery, or both, and
serves as the master D.C. on/off switch. A battery condition meter with a momentary toggle switch is
also provided to monitor battery condition.
NEVER
turn the battery selector switch to “off” while the engine is running or serious permanent
damage will be done to the engine alternator.
Combination on/off and circuit breaker switches are displayed on the main electrical panel for various
shipboard D.C. equipment. The amperage protection of each switch will vary depending on the service
provided.
8.3) Battery Maintenance:
Frequently check the fluid level in your batteries to ensure optimum performance. Add water as
required. Keep the terminals tight and coat them with Vaseline or equivalent to prevent corrosion and
undue electrical resistance.
When charging your batteries with an auxiliary battery charger, first remove all the caps and
disconnect the positive (red) cable.
Hydrogen gas will bubble out of each cell during charging. Hydrogen gas is lighter than air so it will
dissipate, but it is highly explosive so do not smoke or create sparks near the battery when charging.
Provide adequate ventilation during charging.
8.4) Alternating Current (A.C.) System:
The A.C. system in your yacht operates on 115-volt, 60-cycle alternating current. Power is supplied
from a 30-ampere shore service by connecting a cord to the receptacle in the coaming side.
8.5) A.C. Shore Power:
Shipboard A.C. equipment can be operated at dockside by connecting your shore power service cord
from the dock outlet to the receptacle on the coaming side. Make sure the master on/off switch on the
electrical panel is in the “of f” position before connecting to shore power.
• IMPORTANT -
IMMEDIATELY after connecting to shore power, check the polarity indicator light on your panel
to ensure that your dockside power source is properly wired. If you cannot indicate proper
polarity, IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECT THE SHORE I’OWER CORD and determine the
source of the problem as serious electrical shock hazards may exist to persons on board or
alongside your yacht, EVEN IF THE MASTER A-C BREAKER SWITCH IS TURNED OFF.
Once proper polarity is indicated, turning on your master A.C. switch will now supply A.C. power to
the other A.C. switches on the panel. The master switch is also a circuit breaker limiting the supply to
30 amperes.
All A.C. equipment can now be operated by turning on the individual A.C. switches. Each switch is
also a circuit breaker with individual maximum current limitations