Boat Electrical Wiring Made Easy, From The Ground Up, Part 1, Comprehensive Guide

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Boat Electrical Wiring Made Easy, From The Ground Up, Part 1, Comprehensive Guide

Рет қаралды 277,427

Күн бұрын

Complete guide to wiring a boat electrical system from scratch. Starting from the 12V boat battery, we look at configuring a complete electrical system including master isolation switch, main switch panel with fuses, bus-bar (electrical distribution bar) and various boat electrical components such as bilge pumps and navigation lights.
This guide starts from scratch, and over a series of video guides we build a complete boat electrical system, starting with the battery terminals. In Part 1 we build a 'buck' representing parts of the boat such as the engine room, bilges, cabin space, cockpit and we begin to install the component parts of the boat electrical system in really easy steps, explaining the method and reasoning along the way. This how-to guide for boat electrics is based on the kind of electrical system you would find or need in a small to medium sized boat. We hope this guide will be useful for installing an electrical system from scratch, and also for adding to an existing electrical system.
In this guide we look at the importance of having a master electrical isolation switch in your boat, and talk about positioning of the master switch. We also explain the reason for having a busbar for making the wiring of the 12V negative side of the circuit easy and organised.
Also in Part 1 we look at some different types of switch panel, with different styles of fuse holders, different levels of water-proofing, and the importance of choosing a good location for the switch panel. The positioning of the switch panel is a balance between have a location which is shielded from rain and sea spray, but easy to get to.
At the end of this first part, we have installed the main battery mast switch, the busbar and the switch panel, which is used to control the electrics to most of the individual electrical devices in the boat. In Part 2 we will build out the wiring from here, connecting the main feeds to the switch panel, and beginning to install some of the individual electrical components in our boat 'mock-up' buck.
Some of the electrical items seen in this video can be found in the link below:
www.boatfittin...

Пікірлер: 165

@ftank79 Жыл бұрын

This man was sent from heaven! chiseled from the manliest of the gods. A true gentleman and scholar!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Well ..... thanks I hope I can keep giving useful information in the episodes to come. :)

@MichaelHenryGomes1 6 ай бұрын

Indeed!❤

@DerekMurawsky 2 ай бұрын

Especially with the self-fast-forwarding feature!

@theabsolutetruth2024 Ай бұрын

😂 So funny! Here to save us all!....Classic!

@morskipas21 8 ай бұрын

Impressive. Schools need people like you. Born to be a teacher. 😊

@antonbrum5492 6 ай бұрын

I worked for a number years in marine electrical. In larger marine craft, fuses are not mainly used as the preferred form of electrical protection. Marine certified magnetic/thermal circuit breakers are recommended, they come in various tripping curves depending on their applications. In large sea/ocean going vessels, batteries are divided into 3. One set for starting and engine monitoring, one set for light including navigation lights and the other, for radio communications and or radar. All 3 battery configurations can be charged either off 1 or 2 main engines using a blocking diode system. Love your video. Thanks. Retired DC electrician.

@dieterdewaele 5 ай бұрын

This is what makes KZfaq to such a fantastic place, thank you sir for a brilliant set of videos where even I (a non-technical person) understand what you are explaining 👍🏻👍🏻.

@Stevecollinsclear 3 ай бұрын

I have been messing with small yacht electrics for many years. I have never before grasped just WTF the Busbar is for. huge appreciation: much respect

@erikjensen4349 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this series! As a new sailboat owner and electrical novice, this is very timely! I truly appreciate your taking the time to make a very basic and professional video series!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi Erik, many thanks for your kind comment. I am just working on Part 3 now, so hopefully you can see that in a few days time. All the best, Richard

@josephlai9759 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Your idea of making a 3-D mock-up to represent the various parts of a boat is so creative. It is an excellent visual aid for clear instruction.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi Joseph, Many thanks for your kind feedback. Glad you appreciated it :)

@indyallen3 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so so much for the videos that you made on boat wiring. I am about to wire my boat from scratch and your videos gave me a great way to visualize my job ahead.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi Nick, thanks for your comment - glad to hear the videos have been useful.

@martinlebl7465 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I found your video immensely helpful as one who recently purchased a boat and is trying to learn the basics of wiring, much appreciated.

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@neilclucas7613 Жыл бұрын

First class straight forward video. I'm just about to start rewiring my boat and this was an excellent introduction. Thanks for putting this together, greatly appreciated.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@alangarnham706 Жыл бұрын

I purchased a boat that was an unfitted bare bone hull, the boat is complete now except for the electical's. This is a perfect video for me and I want to ensure I can do the electrical's correctly. This video has helped me immensity, thanks for your great work and effort.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your comment - hope all goes well with your electrical installation. Kind regards, Richard

@SV_Kittiwake 2 жыл бұрын

Great first episode. I’m just starting to look at revamping my wiring etc.m this will help a lot. I can’t wait wait for next episode.

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, Many thanks for your comment - I hope to get the next episode out in the next 10 days or so. All the best, Richard

@jackrange4 2 жыл бұрын

This is fantastic. My only complaint is that this series is still in progress so I can’t watch them all right now. Great instruction, thank you.

@SuperCaffeee 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! your video helped me to re-do electical wiring on my sailboat from the scratch, all by myself. very easy to understand, very informative!

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - glad you found it useful.

@sethmcgowan7339 3 ай бұрын

Such a fantastic way to show an electrical system. So simple. Thank you my friend.

@aboutexactly Жыл бұрын

This is the most impressive woodshop I have ever seen.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Ah thanks for your kind comment - my workshop is my happy place :)

@fixingstuff2647 Ай бұрын

Definitely the cleanest, too!

@Hawks1980 Жыл бұрын

Massively helpful video, thanks. I am a complete novice to wiring electrics (I can wire a plug, that’s my limit) and so many boat wiring videos are impossible to follow without basic knowledge.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - glad the video(s) helped. All the best, Richard

@bethg7026 Жыл бұрын

You have no idea how helpful this series is to me right now. We were gifted a sailboat by a family member and I just looked at the electrical...it appears that all the wires need to be replaced, and many rerouted.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi glad to be of some help, I hope your wiring project goes well. All the best, Richard

@bethg7026 Жыл бұрын

@BoatFittings it did go well! Everything is working except the mast light...so we aren't going out at times we would need one until we take down the mast this fall. We do have a battery powered headlamp that we can tether to the mast, just in case we can't get back to the marina before dusk for some reason. Seriously, this and a few other videos helped me tremendously in moving over from the AC world to DC!!

@jesus3901 9 ай бұрын

Great video and very well explained.I wish I had a teacher like you in my early educational years.Thank you.

@btcsys Жыл бұрын

Wow, we sold our boat 5 years ago. This would have been helpful. Nice job

@1800kratos 10 ай бұрын

Dang, I can only give 1 thumbs up? This deserves more! Awesome!!

@scottashby8245 5 ай бұрын

Great tutorial. I'm learning a lot from you. Appreciate your clear explanations and easy to follow demonstrations!

@nataliesmith6114 Жыл бұрын

I was looking for a specific answer on writing a 12v led indicator light, but I’ve subscribed and will be watching the whole series. I have several electrical projects to do and I think this will be very helpful for me in understanding the system on my first new-to-me sailboat. Thanks!

@sulimandc3467 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I watching your videos from libya

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your kind comment. Glad to hear our video's are being watched far afield :)

@crouchy50 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for your wiring videos. They are very accurate and have been extremely helpful in refreshing my knowledge.

@AirbornePirates 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info, I recently re-wired my warrior :)

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment, I hope your Warrior wiring all went ok. I will try and get the next part done in the next week or 2. All the best, Richard

@snapon1948 2 жыл бұрын

@@BoatFittings Hi Part 2 ASAP please 🙏 Enjoyed 1

@parkerssafes 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the process of re wiring a small sailboat. Thanks for this!

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Ah good luck with your re-wiring - hope it all goes to plan

@hunterdelima9881 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid been looking to require my boat for a while now

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - glad the vid has been helpful :)

@athmss Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. Your explanation is very didatic and easy to understand. Alex from Brasil.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@davidosullivan6351 11 ай бұрын

Excellent video, editing is top class aswell , I don't even have a boat and found this very interesting 👍🍿

@jakeroth5809 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing videos I am rewriting by boat and this is so simple and clear thank you for your instructions

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jake, many thanks for your kind comment. I will be working on Part3 very shortly so hope to continue the useful information. All the best, Richard

@jakeroth5809 2 жыл бұрын

@@BoatFittings Yes Richard looking forward to part 3 thanks again for sharing

@emoraven88 Жыл бұрын

Hi. Your explanations are very good and your cables are very neat. I also like your Stanley.😊

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi glad to hear that these are being useful for you, thanks for your comment. Kind regards, Richard

@JohnCornellier Жыл бұрын

Very helpful to a guy fixing up an sailboat.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment, glad to be of some help Richard

@mirelroberts7007 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time and effort to do all this!! Very very grateful

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@thetraveller3577 Жыл бұрын

Awesome....so clear....thanks for taking the time to make the housing....just for us !!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@fargarden Жыл бұрын

Exceptionally clear overview of the process. Subscribed and liked. Many thanks.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Many thanks for your comment, and for subscribing

@lincolnlincoln27 Жыл бұрын

you should do video on how to properlt wire aluminum vessels.... THX

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - I will have a good think about that one. Kind regards, Richard

@Malonesify Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated. Looking forward to viewing the series!

@nickmn6108 3 ай бұрын

I am useless with electrics but you explain very well. Does having the buzzbar mean you don't have to earth the wiring on the boat??

@waterboy8999 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for. I have a Sigma 33C that has had some dodgy wiring done before me and my mate Niall bought it. I do have a couple of faults somewhere on the earth side that I can't find. Plus the bonding wire has come off a couple of the sea cocks, and its the wrong wire having gone black. Anyway I'd like to completely rewire the boat. I have the very same panel here in my hand that I purchased last year, I hope I got it from you. I do understand a bit more than I did and am keen to learn more. Kind regards from Scotland, David

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi David, Thanks for your kind comment. I hope the re-wiring of your Sigma goes well. Richard

@styleswa Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for explaining this.

@allanmller212 9 ай бұрын

Really good and educational video - explained so that everyone can understand it. Are the principles the same if it is a steel boat?

@frithmoore6631 Жыл бұрын

That was so easy to understand. Thankyou!!!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@user-fk7sb2gf1z Жыл бұрын

Im user impressed! I’m sorry but I haven’t read all the comments but wholly shit! Your workshop alone tells me whatever you do is going to be awesome! I’m really interested in you electrical panel for a boat… but what I’m really interested in is how to set a shop up like yours so I can take on any job or task that pops up?

@simonpeteradventures7187 Жыл бұрын

Great video just what I need to learn right now ❤

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - glad to be of some help

@TR4zest Жыл бұрын

Great explanatrion and demonstration. Subscribed|!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment, and for subscribing - much appreciated! Kind regards, Richard

@simonvanwijlen6988 6 ай бұрын

Very helpful indeed! A question : I learned that the electrons flow from the negative part of a battery to the positive part. Should the main switch then not be "in" the black cable? You are connecting the red (=plus) cable.

@_onesimpleidea Ай бұрын

Too bad this wasn't answered. I have a different but related question which I'll post separately. I did look up the answer to your question. The consensus answer is that according to electrical theory, it should not matter whether the switch is on the positive or negative side. However, from a practical use / safety standpoint, it is standard practice to install it on the positive side. Lots of references on the web to explain that.

@dougnichols8351 2 ай бұрын

Good video only thing is you never said what gauge the battery wire is you just said heavy duty? What gauge are you using and also will I use the same gauge if I'm leaking batteries in parallel?

@kenhoever8245 2 жыл бұрын

Hi great video. Have a question, on the master cables to the battery I also need installed a negative bus bar. You connected your negative cable directly to the bus bar and positive to the master switch. I also ran a negative cable from the bus bar to the battery because my negative on my outboard is connected directly to the negative battery terminal. My question is should I have connected the outboard negative terminal directly to the bus bar as well? All the rest of my negatives are connected to the bus bar.

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question. From what I understand of your system, I do not see anything wrong at all with the direct connection of your negative from your outboard to the battery. This allows a more direct connection / higher capacity cable (less resistance) to your outboard, so that seems fine to me (without being able to see in detail). All the best, Richard

@fixingstuff2647 Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@sambathlaau 17 күн бұрын

Thanks

@danielgreen4614 Жыл бұрын

fantastic easy to follow

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi glad you found the video easy to follow. All the best, Richard

@SVBLUEBELL Жыл бұрын

Thank for this work very usefull

@christopherbeck5416 Ай бұрын

Well done sir

@mjway5457 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!!!

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@Howt-ooo Жыл бұрын

Brill video. Thank you.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@sailingona Жыл бұрын

Thanks helps a lot ❤

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks for your kind comment. Kind regards, Richard

@vetteman2920 Жыл бұрын

You forgot the fuse at the positive terminal of the battery. Probably the most important fuse of all.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - noted, and I will address this in a future video. All the best, Richard

@4GH440 Жыл бұрын

I watched your video today and just and I may have missed it somewhere but what are your electrical qualifications. I always find it helpful to know the trade or background of the person making the video to work out how much weight I put on what people say.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and am a chartered engineer. Kind regards, Richard

@stefangreencorn Ай бұрын

I have two switches on this panel that don't work. The lights dead on the switch is it the switch or does it means the fuse is out. How do I change the fuse.

@marjorymoore1573 3 ай бұрын

Hi Richard, what size wire did you use and amp on your Battery terminals please

@alanhatch7121 2 ай бұрын

Dewalt...goodman 👍

@Shamino100 Жыл бұрын

Excellent explanations on a not particular sexy topic 😊

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your kind comment - agreed not a sexy topic, but hopefully useful. Kind regards, Richard

@hyhne 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video. Do you need a fuse between the battery and master switch?

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for bringing up this question - it is a very good question! I have often thought about this myself, you might say that if the Master Switch for example has a capacity of 100A then you could choose to protect the whole circuit with say a 75A fuse. In practice (in my opinion) as long as each component is protected by a fuse (suitable to that component) then that is more important. So I would not argue against protecting the whole electrical system from a 'master' fuse, but I think in practice this is a bit more 'belt and braces' than most people or boat builders would choose to go. It would be interesting other expert opinions on this.

@SeaCatch3 Жыл бұрын

I personally would add a fuse in line with the main supply cable before the isolator. Consider this situation, you have a 100amp supply cable with the correct rated isolator and board. You have a mixture of circuits which are well below 100amps and correctly fused, so no problems. Then you get someone who now adds additional circuits which are high current.. they add 3 x 40amp circuits which have the potential to draw that amount of current. You now have 120amp running happily through their protective devices but that supply cable is now overloaded without any fused protection.. there is nothing to stop that cable melting of catching on fire. Just my opinion on it. I think of my house supply . The main supply cable is protected by a cut out fuse, so this is the same logic.

@sailingbluemist5848 11 ай бұрын

@@BoatFittings ISO 13297 requires a circuit protection no less than 200mm from the battery, and to every load. i like the videos but best to make sure your following regulations.

@paterpeter1985 Жыл бұрын

Wow, I bet you’d make a stunning dolls house!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Maybe one day!

@simonlongdon4003 Жыл бұрын

Very useful info

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - gad to be of use! Richard

@OldGuySailing 9 ай бұрын

Hello What switch panel did you use ? Thx

@norbertgorniak5855 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much you made it look very easy. I have two questions: how do I connect a land charger and a second battery to that system? Thank you very much in advance

@deang5622 Жыл бұрын

Connect the second battery in parallel to the first. Make sure the charger can handle it.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question, I will try to get onto that subject in a future video. Kind regards, Richard

@Seafariireland Жыл бұрын

Excellent, but what about the types of wire and how to make up the ends/connecters etc..

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment / question. If you watch through the series of videos I think you will find plenty of information on the wires and end connectors - I hope so! Kind regards, Richard

@jasonarapol8895 Жыл бұрын

thanks for this vid - iv got the same switch panel - ( BLA ) Stupid question for u - How do u change the fuse in them 1st time with this panel

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for getting in touch. The fuses are changed by twisting the square fitting at the front of each fuse. Kind regards, Richard

@KarmaWatersSailing 4 ай бұрын

Maaagic thanks for sharing💃

@thegrumpybusinessman3400 2 жыл бұрын

How would I wire up a starter battery to my outboard and have 2 leisure batteries. Using a dc/dc charger please?

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question. I am afraid I can't properly answer this in a sentence or two. I will put this on the list for future videos. All the best, Richard

@deang5622 Жыл бұрын

You would need to check how much current the starter requires and ensure the battery can deliver this. The difference between a leisure battery and 12 volt car battery is the starting current capability. A car battery is designed to be able to deliver a very high current for a short period of time, to turn the starter motor in a car. Leisure batteries are not designed for this. So check the current requirement for the starter and if your leisure battery can't deliver it, then you need to add a different battery type. And you need to think about how that new battery would be charged. I would add a separate charger for the new starter battery.

@tobyrowe4431 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi many thanks, your are welcome! Richard

@1spencerneal Жыл бұрын

Hi there - have you wired in a shunt and current meter/voltmeter/capacity meter (a coulometer(?))

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question - no I haven't as yet, but that would be an interesting one to add to a future video. Kind regards, Richard

@redwood1957 Жыл бұрын

Would you have an electrical drawing for a small sailboat. Outboard and start battery circuit then the house battery circuit to a dc panel, a solar and shore charging with a small 12/120vac inverter.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your interesting question. I am afraid I do not have such a diagram. I will think about incorporating some of these features in a future video though. All the best, Richard

@keithlane2933 Жыл бұрын

Hello, We have an old boat with a 351 windsor inboard. The gauges work when the key is turned, but go off when we start and run the engine. Any idea what this may be?

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for getting in touch. This sounds like a problem caused by a voltage drop due to the high current-draw when cranking the engine. What is strange though is if the gauges do not come back on again when the engine is running, as the voltage should be plenty high enough with the engine running. I'm afraid it is probably a case of getting a marine electrician to investigate. Kind regards, Richard

@slange455 Жыл бұрын

Looks like you should have a wood working channel instead that’s a nice setup

@konserv Жыл бұрын

6:25, what a mess! Are there any panels without spaghetti of exposed internal wires? They can be done as a bunch of short metal jumpers or shorter wires. I would resolder this panel.

@konserv Жыл бұрын

P.S. thanks, the video is pretty helpful!

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure what you are talking about - are you ? Kind regards, Richard

@konserv Жыл бұрын

@@BoatFittings There are a lot of short jumper wires between every switch and fuse (black wires at 6:25). That does not look nice and safe. I would prefer some shorter straight jumpers or even mount it on PCB. There are thick enough cooper layer options, PCBs can easily handle 5 amps. As an option, there are good ABB din rail DC components. And they do have safe, thick protected sets of various jumpers.

@snapon1948 2 жыл бұрын

Hi when’s part 2 coming out thanks

@SV_Kittiwake 2 жыл бұрын

It’s been 10 days lol,

@BoatFittings 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, thanks for asking - Part 2 should be out this week

@gregorydascher3308 Жыл бұрын

I got a boat but the guy before me really buggered it all up and it started on fire so this is where im at now 😅

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - best of luck with your re-wiring project. Kind regards, Richard

@michaelnwagbo616 Жыл бұрын

Do I need an special device if I have my battery cable traveling as far as up to 10 Meter before getting to it's negative bus bar and main master switch?

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question. I don't see any problem with having a 10 metre cable from your battery to the busbar, the only thing to point out is that extra length means extra resistance, resulting in some degree of voltage drop along the length. I don't think this is likely to be an issue for you, but if it was then using a heavier duty wire would compensate.

@guyh.4553 Жыл бұрын

Come to my place in Washington State. Ive got a boat that you can do from ground up!😂😂😂

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

I would love to - if only I had time. :)

@earthstick Жыл бұрын

In the title it says from the ground up. I hoped that literally meant earthing.

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Ah - it can mean anything you want it to :)

@nevillesaunders1916 Жыл бұрын

So many people use the term "buzz bar" when the item in question is actually called a "bus bar".

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your comment - yes absolutely bus bar! Richard

@gejtuborg4675 Жыл бұрын

do you need reiays

@BoatFittings Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your question. In general Relay's are only needed for items which have a high current draw, and for which you wouldn't want that current to be passed through your switch or switch panel. This is a great question and I will cover an example of using a relay in the next part. Kind regards, Richard