Where to install mains and battery charger?

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oilyrag

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I want to install a permanent 240v supply with 'plumbed-in' dedicated battery charger. I am advised not to install the consumer unit and charger in the engine bay because the batteries are in there and risk of a spark in the mains gubbins igniting battery fumes.
I am not sure this is such a huge risk - anyone out there have such an installation or are we all installed outside the engine/battery compartment?
 
My consumer unit is installed in the locker; the batteries and charger are installed under the bunk in the stern cabin. Boat: Beneteau 343 2007, all factory installed .... so I guess it's legal !!!

Alan.
 
My shorepower unit, mains distribution unit, and battery chargers are all in one locker in the main cabin, separate from the engine room and battery banks.

1 distant from any possible flammable fumes
2 easy access to mains cutoff switches in case of a problem
 
To be best keep the mains stuff outside of the battery locker but realistically if you are using a good battery charger the battery should not gas so should be spark proof.

Another thought . . . . what is likely to make a spark anyway?
 
Shore Power consumer unit in the cockpit locker. Accessible to switch on/off from the open air, if necessary.

Charger under the aft bunk, bolted to side of nented battery box.
 
The trouble with the lockers is that they are usually damp which sooner or later kills the battery charger. When I replaced my charger I mounted it in the saloon on the bulkhead forward of the locker. (The house batteries live in a tray under the aft end of the saloon sole.)
 
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