Boat Safety Scheme - main circuits
part 3 - electrical installations
please select a sub-section here:
The BSS Guide
Introduction
Inboard engines
Electritcal installations
Electrically propelled vessels
Outboard and portable engines
Fire prevention and extinguishers
LPG installations
Appliances, flueing and ventilation
Pollution
Hire boats and safety features
Appendices

informationYou can help the examiner identify whether your 12 or 24 volt distribution cables are adequate to carry the current they are intended for, and that the fuses feeding each of the cables is suitable for the circuits. Why not label each fuse with the identity of the circuit it feeds? By turning the power off you can safely disconnect each fuse in turn, before switching the main power source back on and investigating which circuit is affected. This will also help you if you have to replace a fuse in the future. Always have a cover over the fuse mounting box. [3.3]

To minimise the risk of damage to cables, and to allow a visual inspection of the
installation, main circuits must be installed above bilge water level. Bilge water
level can usually be determined by the presence of a 'tidemark', the position of
the bilge pump or its inlet, or the level at which the float switch is set.
All main circuits, other than starter circuits, must be protected by circuit
breakers or fuses of the appropriate rating and of a suitable design. This means
that the fuse or circuit breaker must have a rating which is lower than the
current that would cause damage to the circuit. The safe operation of these
devices must not be compromised by the use of thicker fuse wire or by using
tape to keep the contacts closed.

If your boat has a 240V supply it's strongly recommended that you fit a residual
current device (RCD) to automatically disconnect the supply. This will prevent
an earth leakage current flowing through a faulty appliance, and protects
someone inadvertently touching a live circuit and getting an electric shock. [3.3]


batteries
electric cables