Boat Plumbing 101 Understanding Your Vessel's Plumbing System

This will tell you how much power the breaker can handle before it trips. Finally, make sure that the breaker is compatible with your boat’s wiring system. Installing a boat electrical breaker is an important part of safe boating. A good electrical breaker will protect your boat’s electrical system from shorts, overcurrents, and other potential hazards. There are two types of boat electrical breakers: manual and automatic. Manual breakers require you to operate them, while automatic breakers are operated by the engine or another onboard system. To install a new or replacement boat electrical breaker, follow these steps:

1) Disable the power to the boat by turning off all power at the main panel. 2) Remove the cover on the panel where the breaker is located.
3) Remove the existing breaker by unscrewing it from the panel post and pulling it out.
4) If replacing the breaker, install a new one in its place following manufacturer’s instructions.
5) Reinstall the cover and screw it in place.
6) Turn on power marine safety immersion dry work suits to the boat and test it to ensure everything is working properly. Testing your boat’s electrical system is an important part of maintaining its reliability. Here are a few tested tips for testing your boat’s electrical system: Use a voltmeter to test the battery and all other 12-volt accessories.

Measure the voltage at each outlet with a digital voltmeter and compare results. Make sure all outlets are within 5 percent of each other.
Test the generator by starting it up and checking the voltage at the battery and throughout the system. Be sure to ground yourself before touching any cables or machinery.
Check all fuses, breakers, and switches to be sure they are functioning properly – often these can be checked while the engine is running by touching either end of one lead wire to each battery terminal while simultaneously turning on the engine).