Electricity

Onboard Electrical Systems:

Energy Sources:

• Batteries: Typically marine batteries (lead-acid, gel, AGM, or lithium) to power onboard equipment.
• Alternators: Generators mounted on the engine to recharge the batteries while the engine is running.
• Solar Panels: A renewable energy source to recharge the batteries.

Electrical Distribution:

• Control Panel: Centralizes controls and electricity distribution for various circuits.
• Circuit Breakers and Fuses: Protect circuits from overloads and short circuits.
• Switches: Allow control of various electrical equipment and systems.

Lighting:

• Interior Lighting: LED or halogen lights for interior spaces such as cabins and the salon.
• Exterior Lighting: Navigation lights, floodlights, and deck lights for safety and visibility.

Instruments and Equipment:

• Marine Electronics: GPS, sounders, VHF radios, and other navigation instruments.
• Chargers: Battery chargers to maintain the batteries in good condition.
• Converters and Inverters: Convert DC power from batteries into AC power for electronic devices.

Safety Equipment:

• Battery Alarm: Alerts when the battery is low.
• Smoke and Gas Detectors: For onboard safety.

Common Electrical Equipment:

Batteries:

• Types: Lead-acid, AGM, Gel, Lithium-ion.
• Applications: Power for electrical systems, lighting, and communication equipment.

Alternators and Generators:

• Function: Recharge batteries by providing electricity while the engine is running.
• Examples: High-capacity alternators, compact marine generators.

Solar Panels:

• Function: Provide a renewable energy source for recharging batteries.
• Examples: Flexible or rigid solar panels, charge regulators.

Converters and Inverters:

• Function: Convert DC power from batteries into AC power for electronic devices.
• Examples: Pure sine wave inverters for stable and clean power.

Battery Chargers:

• Function: Keep batteries charged and in good condition.
• Examples: Smart chargers with cycle management.

Distribution Systems and Equipment:

Control Panel:

• Function: Centralizes electrical controls and circuit breakers.
• Examples: Panels with digital displays, charge indicators.

Circuit Breakers and Fuses:

• Function: Protect circuits from overloads and short circuits.
• Examples: Waterproof marine circuit breakers, marine-specific fuses.

Switches:

• Function: Control the power supply for various circuits.
• Examples: Toggle switches, marine push-button switches.

Installation and Maintenance:

Wiring:

• Type: Weather-resistant and corrosion-proof marine cables.
• Installation: Ensure correct installation to avoid short circuits and failures.

Maintenance:

• Regular Inspection: Check the condition of batteries, wiring, and equipment.
• Cleaning: Clean battery terminals and connections to prevent corrosion.

Safety:

• Training: Knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures.
• Equipment: Use protective gear like insulated gloves during maintenance