Yet another dump electrics question

[Viking]

Just taken hold of a new but old boat. I have started to add some up to date equipment. Now the single 'Instruments' switch/bazzbar connections seems to be getting over loaded. GPS, Radio (not VHF) Log, Depth sounder, I have to install a autohelm. Any ideas? in idiots terms please.

 

[ccscott49]

Simply, run another wire from the main switch, to another busbar and another return wire to the batrry earth side to another busbar, then connect your circuits through circuit breaker/switches to that. I reccomend circuit breaker /switches, as they do away with the fuses, index marine ahve everything you would need, including little switch panels, with natty little stick on tabs, to label the switches, I would also reccomend you mark all the wires and draw a circuit diagram for your new wiring and the old, if you can fathom it out. Buy a switch panel with four or five extra switch holes, you will need them, I garuantee!
Use a biggish wire from the main switch to the busbar and the return the same size, it actually cannot be too big, but not battery/starter size!<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by ccscott49 on Mon Jun 3 11:04:07 2002 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[oldharry]

Avoiding electrical overloads

Checking current consumption of your various new goodies is quite simple. They should all have a plate giving wattage.

Simply take the total wattage, and divide by your voltage - 12 will be accurate enough, and you have the current in amps. So 120 watts at 12 volts = 10 amps.

When you are setting up your new circuitry, install a fuse in each branch limiting the demand that section can make before blowing the fuse.

Its a very worth while investment to install circuit breakers, rated at various amperages available from Maplins for very lttle more than the cost of fuse holders, or from larger chandleries for a great deal more! Then you are not fooling round in the dark trying to find the right fuse and install it....