Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems, Second Edition

by Sherman, Edwin

• ISBN13: 9780071485500
• ISBN10: 0071485503
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-08-13
• Publisher: The McGraw-Hill Companies

Summary

Understand, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade your boat's electrical systemsFrustrated by the high cost of basic electrical work but nervous about tackling such projects yourself? Get sound advice and guidance from author Ed Sherman, who wrote and teaches the American Boat & Yacht Council's certification program for electrical technicians. InPowerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems, he combines basic theory with step-by-step directions for troubleshooting problems, making repairs, and installing new equipment. Learn to Draw up a wiring diagram for your boat Locate and identify wiring and circuit components Select and use a multimeter Choose and maintain battery and marine ignition systems Troubleshoot starting, charging, and instrument problems Install DC and AC marine accessories, equipment, and electronics"Ed Sherman's nationally recognized expertise in electrical systems in boats makes him a natural choice to train and certify marine electricians. . . . He believes, as I do, that doing it right the first time will surely enhance your boating experience."--C. T. "Skip" Moyer III, Past President, American Boat & Yacht Council

Author Biography

Ed Sherman is one of the country’sbest-known authorities on marine electrical systems.A senior writer at the American Boat & Yacht Council, hehas played a key role in defining that organization’s nationalstandards for electrical systems.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Electrical Basics You Need to Know What Is Electricity? Electrical Circuits Ohm's Law and What It Can Tell Us Voltage Drop Putting It All Together Circuit Problems and How They Occur Tools

Working with Wiring Diagrams The Trouble with Boats Wiring Diagrams Common Symbols Component Identification Wire Identification and the ABYC Color Code Expanding the Basic Circuit Locating Components Drawing Your Own Wiring Diagram

Selecting and Using a Multimeter Multimeters Selecting a Multimeter Using Your Multimeter Measuring Amperage Measuring Resistance and Continuity

Wire and Circuit Protection Standards and Repair Procedures Order Out of Chaos ABYC Standards and Recommendations Basic Wiring Wire Size Wire Insulation Fuses and Circuit Breakers Ignition Protection Testing Fuses and Circuit Breakers Levels of Circuit Protection Acceptable Locations for Fuses and Circuit Breakers Wire Routing and Support Connecting the Dots: Making Wiring and Connection Repairs

Batteries and Battery Systems How Batteries Work: The Basics Basic Chemistry Types of Lead-Acid Batteries Which Battery Is Right for You? Battery Safety Battery Maintenance and Testing Battery Installations Testing Your Batteries

Battery-Charging Systems Alternator Basics Engine-Driven Marine Alternators Alternator Problems Outboard-Engine Charging Systems Shore-Power Battery Charging Systems and Installations Solargizer Approach

Maintaining Marine Ignition Systems Ignition-System Components Regulations Regarding Ignition Systems Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems Maintaining Ignition Systems MerCruiser Thunderbolt IV and V Systems Beyond the Basics: Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems Outboard and PWC Ignition Tests Testing Your Stop Switch Final Checks and Ignition Timing

Tracing and Repairing Starter-Motor Circuits Coast Guard Regulations for Starter Motors Starter-Motor Problems and Solutions Troubleshooting Starter-Motor Circuits Outboard-Engine Starter Circuits Testing the Neutral-Safety Switch Engine Ignition Switch Other Outboard-Engine Starter-Motor Problems

Installing Your Own DC Accessories Before You Begin Installing a New Cabin Light Installing a New Bilge Pump Adding a New Compact-Disc Player

Engine Instrumentation Problems and Solutions Mechanical Gauges Common Instrument Interpretation Problems Abnormal Instrument Readings General Instrument Troubleshooting

Alternating Current and AC Equipment What Is Alternating Current? AC on Your Boat AC Safety Color Coding for AC Wiring Comparisons between AC and DC Circuits AC Overcurrent Protection Basic AC Outlet Connections Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters Checking Voltage, Continuity, and Polarity on AC Circuits Selecting a DC-to-AC Inverter AC Generators Galvanic Isolators

Installing Marine Electronic Equipment Electronic Gadgetry Universal Installation Details Power Supply Installing a VHF Radio How Much Can I Gain? The Coaxial Question Installing a Fish-Finder or Depth-Sounder Installing a GPS Receiver Installing Your Own Radar

Glossary

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