ABOUT US
|
SITE MAP
|
SEARCH TIPS
|
HOME
Novice′s primer about on-board electrical systems.
[SailNet, 12 February 2003]
A look not very far down the road to when your boat has diesel-electric or hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, and most of your wiring has been replaced with remotely operated circuit breakers and a two-wire bus.
[Sail Magazine, January 2005]
One vendor′s 72-page explanation of the components of an on-board energy system, the calculations that you can use to define it, and much of the data you need to make it balanced and economical. Despite promoting the company′s WhisperGen, this is probably the most educational reference on the web.
[Victron Energy, USA]
Sells and installs a wide range of electrical equipment. Site has good general information about many electrical components and short "reference" pages on related topics. Also sells and installs a wide range of electrical equipment.
[Jack Rabbit Marine, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA]
Illustrated primer on stuff like voltage, amperage, resistance, Ohms, and Watts.
[Nautical Know How, Inc., Stuart, FL, USA]
Brief list of safety questions about your gear, including PFD′s, fire equipment, fuel systems, ground tackle, safety equipment, stoves, electrical system, bilge pumps, through-hulls, and batteries.
[Nautical Know How, Inc., Stuart, FL, USA]
Automatic load sensing, load management, and generator starting can form the basis of a fully automatic electrical system. Partial offerings from 7 vendors. 7 pages.
[PassageMaker, July 1999]
To have a dual 24- and 12-volt electrical system, you need to choose an equalizer or converter. The many pros and cons are discussed. 3 pages with diagrams.
[Sail Magazine, November 2001]
A multimeter can measure voltage and resistance, but often using one to measure current (amps) is more useful, e.g. finding current drain and determining electrical usage. A very useful article, but all the diagrams and other images are missing in the on-line version. Includes tips on choosing a multimeter.
[Ocean Navigator, July 1993]
Unmoderated forum on marine electrical and electronic equipment. Good advice and resources here, but you have to dig and you have to be selective.
[Usenet, USA]
Calculating Your Electrical Needs
Once it is set up correctly (there are often some initial problems), a modern electrical system can operate for years with minimal maintenance . . .
Nigel Calder
My Resources
My Boats