Basic Wiring

[jamespaget]

I am a complete novice, but can do basic wiring. I have a 17ft Dell Quay Dory and want to install new navigation lights and bilge pump. The boat already has a battery - like a car battery on board used for the engine / tilt. I am not sure how to create a circuit that will power the lights etc. Any help or advice greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

 

[alan006]

The simplest systems have a few basic components to do the job. From the positive terminal of the battery firstly you should have a battery isolator switch rated to carry the starting current for the starter motor. From this you supply the starter motor (solenoid) and a second feed should go to a switch box next to your boat controls. In the switch box you split the supply through fuses and switches to your lights and other services. Unlike a car you cannot use the body of the boat for the returns to the negative so return wires should be fed to a busbar and then to the negative terminal. Normally all feeds to services are isolated by the battery isolator except for the bilge pump feed, whch is often wired directly to the battery. You should use tinned wire for the wiring which is suitably corrosion resistant in the marine environment. Use wires that are correctly rated to carry the relevent currents of the different services. Stud terminals for the batteries are best.
Good luck.

 

[Nickcf]

Caution! You do need to be aware that, although the battery voltage is only twelve volts (which is completely safe), short circuiting the positive and negative terminals accidently can cause violent sparking and in extreme cases battery explosion or fire. There is the additional danger that they contain acid.
Batteries can be very dangerous things to work with unless you are completely sure of what you are doing. If you are very inexperienced I would strongly suggest you get some more expert help.

 

[jamespaget]

Thanks for all your help, I have fitted P&S plus an all round white, and wired the bilge pump up.....now off to sea!