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Electrical System
6.11 Electrical System Maintenance
DC Electrical System Maintenance
At least once a year, spray all exposed electrical
components behind the helm, in the transom area
and in the plugs with a protector. Removable light
xture lenses should be removed and wiped clean
with a damp cloth and reinstalled. Some LED light
xtures are sealed and not serviceable.
Inspect all wiring for proper support and tight
terminals, paying particular attention to portable
appliance cords and plugs.
Check all below deck wiring to be sure it is prop-
erly supported, that the insulation is sound and
that there are no loose or corroded terminals.
Corroded terminals should be thoroughly cleaned
with sandpaper or replaced, tightened securely
and sprayed with a metal and electrical protector.
Inspect all engine wiring.
Your boat is equipped with batteries that are
installed by your dealer at the time of delivery.
Check the electrolyte level in the batteries regu-
larly and add distilled water as necessary. If the
batteries are frequently charged by the automatic
battery charger, the electrolyte level will have to
be checked more often. The correct uid level in
the cells is usually approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch
above the plates. If uid is needed, ll to the
proper level with distilled water. Do not over ll!
Notice:
Some batteries are sealed and do not require
or allow the inspection of the electrolyte.
Keep the battery tops clean and dry. Dirt and
water can conduct electricity from one post to the
other causing the battery to discharge.
The battery posts should be kept free of corrosion.
Remove the cables and clean the posts and cable
clamps with a battery post cleaner or sandpaper
as required. Coating the battery posts and cable
clamps with Teon or Silicone grease will protect
them and reduce corrosion.
Battery cables, both hot and ground, must be
replaced when they show signs of corrosion or
fraying. Deteriorated cables cause a considerable
voltage loss when high currents are drawn, as for
starting the engines.
AC Electrical System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all wiring for nicks, chang,
brittleness, improper support, etc. Examine the
shore power cord closely for cracks in the insula-
tion and corrosion in electrical connectors. Spray-
ing receptacles and electrical connections with an
electrical contact cleaner or a metal and electrical
protector will reduce corrosion and improve elec-
trical continuity.
Inspect all wiring for proper support, sound in-
sulation and tight terminals, paying particular
attention to portable appliance cords and plugs.
The entire AC circuitry, especially the shore power
cord, should be seasonally tested for proper con-
tinuity by an experienced electrician. This will
detect any shorts, open wires or ground faults.
Ground fault interrupt outlets and ELCI should
be tested monthly to ensure proper operation by
pressing the test/reset buttons. The reverse po-
larity system should also be inspected and tested
periodically for proper operation.
Generator Maintenance
The engine maintenance required on the genera-
tor is similar in many ways to the main engines.
The most important factors to the generator’s lon-
gevity are proper ventilation and maintenance of
the fuel system, ignition system, cooling system,
lubrication system and the AC alternator.
Maintenance schedules and procedures are out-
lined in your generator owner’s manual. They
should be followed exactly.
CORROSION ALLOWED TO BUILD ON THE ELECTRICAL
CONNECTORS CAN CAUSE A POOR CONNECTION RESULTING IN
SHORTS, GROUND FAULTS OR POOR GROUND CONNECTIONS.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS SHOULD BE CHECKED AT LEAST
ANNUALLY AND CLEANED AS REQUIRED. DO NOT ALLOW
CORROSION TO BUILD ON CONNECTIONS.
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR EVEN
DEATH. THE AC AND DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ALWAYS
SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE
BEFORE INSPECTING OR SERVICING THE SYSTEM. NEVER
SERVICE ANY COMPONENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE IT IS ENERGIZED.
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