Electrics/electronics/batteries in close proximity.

[pandos]

I am thinking of putting my batteries, main fuses, charger, autopilot computer, all into the one cabinet.
I wonder will I have any issues with interference with each other?

The course computer is some raymarine smart pilot which connects via a st6001 control head.

 

[HissyFit]

The batteries and fuses, being passive DC units, should not give off electromagnetic interference, and the autopilot computer and any active element within the charger should be shielded from giving off EMI and being impacted by EMI from other devices. The only item I'd worry about the location of is the autopilot's fluxgate compass, which should not be positioned anywhere near cables carrying a high current, as they would generate a substantial magnetic field.

One way to mitigate for the current flow in a major supply line, i.e. windlass supply, is to use two conductors each for the +V and 0v and run them together in a pack of four with the matching poles diagonally across the 'X'. That way any induced magnetic field will couple into the opposite polarity and thus cancel itself out. This also has the advantage of using less expensive cables for the same cross-sectional area of conductive material.

 

[jwfrary]

Depending on the type of battery then I might be concerned about the possibility of corrosive gasses ravaging the other expensive items.

Probobly only really an issue if you fast charge or dont catch a battery failure in good time.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Duplicate post deleted.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Batteries are usually sited low in the hull to contribute to stability, whereas electronic equipment is mounted higher up to avoid being harmed by any water that might be sloshing around.

 

[pandos]

Batteries are usually sited low in the hull to contribute to stability, whereas electronic equipment is mounted higher up to avoid being harmed by any water that might be sloshing around.

Thanks for the replies.the batteries will be at the same level (lowdown) as will be the electronics(high up) so I am not concerned about water.

Good point about gassing batteries, I will modify the ventilation from the existing battery box and put a layer of clear perspex over the batteries to keep the rest of the electronics safer. (They'll be AGMs)

The compass will be 3 or4 meters from the cabinet.

The windlass cabling will be dead unless I am using it in any case it will be exiting the base of the cabinet whilst the electronics will exit the upper end.

At 40 years old it is past time for a major tidy up and simplification, and whilst I have some practice in rewiring and the choice of cabling and connectors etc...
I had this niggling feeling in the back of my mind that I was doing something silly, as the boat was filled with wires running around to different locations often far longer than was necessary, seemingly with no logic other than to keep them hidden.

.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I am thinking of putting my batteries, main fuses, charger, autopilot computer, all into the one cabinet.
I wonder will I have any issues with interference with each other?

The course computer is some raymarine smart pilot which connects via a st6001 control head.

Which Smart Pilot, exactly ?

If it ends in a "G" (S3G, for instance) it has an inbuilt gyro compass, treat it as you would any compass. If not, it's OK fitted close to the batteries. FYI AGM batteries do not gas.

 

[pandos]

Which Smart Pilot, exactly ?

If it ends in a "G" (S3G, for instance) it has an inbuilt gyro compass, treat it as you would any compass. If not, it's OK fitted close to the batteries. FYI AGM batteries do not gas.

Thanks for that, I had better look at the smart pilot.......