The 12-Volt Bible for Boats

by Brotherton, Miner; Sherman, Edwin

• ISBN13: 9780071392334
• ISBN10: 0071392335
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-11
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

Summary

The 12-Volt Bible for Boatsis a clear, nonthreatening introduction to the 12-volt electrical systems used on small boats to power everything from reading lights to bilge pumps. This second edition is thoroughly updated with respect to modern batteries, breaker and panel design, alternative energy sources, and troubleshooting equipment, but it retains the fundamental simplicity that is the source of its enduring popularity (more than 100,000 copies sold).

Author Biography

Miner Brotherton is a longtime boater and professor (retired) of physical sciences and marine electronics who excels at rendering technical boating topics in lay terms. Ed Sherman is the asssistant director of education at the American Boat & Yacht Council, the country's preeminent standard-making boating body. He is the author of Outboard Engines and Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction to the Second Edition, by Ed Sherman

Introduction to the First Edition

Chapter 1. BASIC THEORY OF ELECTRICITY: A Primer

A Few Words of Caution

The Atom and Its Electrons

The Atom; Electrons; Molecules and Bonding; Ions and Electrons

Terms Defined

Coulomb's Law; Charge; Current; Voltage, Potential Difference, and EMF; Energy; Power; Amp-Hours; Resistance

Electricity Is Not Water, But . . .

Ohm's Law

IR Drops and I2R Heat

Chapter 2. ELECTRIC CIRCUITS: Parts of the System

Circuit Components

Series Circuits

Parallel Circuits

Chapter 3. THE BATTERY: Heart of the System

Primary and Secondary Cells

Purpose and Function of the Storage Battery

What Happens When Discharging

What Happens When Charging

Electrolyte and Hydrometers

Preventing Freezing; Using a Hydrometer; Determining Specific Gravity on Sealed Batteries

Load Testing Batteries

Storage Battery Construction

Differentiating among Batteries

Anatomy of a Battery; Six-Volt Batteries; Newer Battery Types

Battery Banks

Selecting a Battery

Battery Maintenance and Tools

Chapter 4. THE WIRING: Electrical Veins and Arteries

Proper Size

Resistivity; Wire Length; Thickness

Insulation

Identification Codes

Terminals

Installation

A Lesson in Soldering

Chapter 5. THE CONTROLS: Brains of the System

The Control Panel

Where to Put It?; Replacement Alternatives

Switches

Master Switch

Fuses

Circuit Breakers

Relays

Panel Meters

Chapter 6. TRANSDUCERS: Things That Do the Work

What Do You Need?

Lights

Navigation Lights; Interior Lights; Exterior Lights

Motors

Motor Maintenance; Starter Motors; Refrigerator Motors; Bilge Pumps

Electronics

Installation; Power Consumption; Interference

Chapter 7. RECHARGING THE BATTERY

Multiple Battery Isolators

Alternators and Generators

The Regulator

Making Adjustments; Checking Charging Voltage; Regulator Settings; Recharge Rates

AC Shore Power and Solid-State Chargers

Proper AC Converter/Chargers; Danger: Shock and Galvanic Corrosion; Maintaining Proper Polarity

Solar Cells

Wind Chargers

Water Chargers

DC-to-AC Inverters

Chapter 8. TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM

Troubleshooting Principles

Troubleshooting Instrument: The Multifunction Meter

Reading Ohms; Reading DC Volts; Reading AC Volts; Reading DC Amps

Troubleshooting Instrument: Test Lights

A Continuity Tester; Make Your Own; Buying or Making Test Lights

Locating Faults

Light Won't Work; Moisture-Related Problems; Engine Won't Start; Bilge Pump Problem; Blinking Masthead Light

Noodling Out a Solution

Make a Picture; Follow a System; Tickling the Field; Simple Problems with Varying Degrees of Complexity

Leaks and Their Detection

PARTING WORD: SOME THOUGHTS ON MAINTENANCE

Your Boat's Electrical Toolbox

Spare Parts and Junk

RESOURCES

Contact Information

Installation Records

INDEX