electrical installation on a floating dwelling

[Andy78]

I really need some help in a project I have become involved in wiring a lived on boat. It's something I have not done before or anything remotely similar so I'm well out of my comfort and confidence zone.
I'm really struggling finding a definite guide as to the correct regulations I need to be following or even any best practice guides. If anyone can offer any experienced advice in this field I would be most grateful, even a finger pointing in the right direction would be great.
I'll refrain from posting detailed info about the job until an experienced mind pops along as it might be a bit much.

 

[pirate]

If a steel hull there are some caveats, however as the majority of the installation is 12V or 24v then you are simply providing shore power, perhaps from a marina supply?
If you are only providing a supply for charging the battery bank, the job is easy. If you are providing a mains supply for heaters/microwave/lighting, then you have a double-double insulation task, especially in a metal hull.
Don't be miss-led by the anodes bolted to the hull to protect against corrosion. You need to keep the shore power completely isolated, as if you were running a heater off an extension lead.
It's an interesting problem, but not needing over-thinking. Hardly anyone dies linking a boat to the marina supply with a commando plug...like a caravan, but with a bit of a twist?

 

[buzzlightyear]

nice gun boat Andy ,are you making sh77 shape for going to pick up some passengers across the pond near Calais France.

 

[pirate]

That's a proper boat, Andy!

 

[buzzlightyear]

If a steel hull there are some caveats, however as the majority of the installation is 12V or 24v then you are simply providing shore power, perhaps from a marina supply?
If you are only providing a supply for charging the battery bank, the job is easy. If you are providing a mains supply for heaters/microwave/lighting, then you have a double-double insulation task, especially in a metal hull.
Don't be miss-led by the anodes bolted to the hull to protect against corrosion. You need to keep the shore power completely isolated, as if you were running a heater off an extension lead.
It's an interesting problem, but not needing over-thinking. Hardly anyone dies linking a boat to the marina supply with a commando plug...like a caravan, but with a bit of a twist?

just treat it like a mobile home .

 

[Andy78]

If a steel hull there are some caveats, however as the majority of the installation is 12V or 24v then you are simply providing shore power, perhaps from a marina supply?
If you are only providing a supply for charging the battery bank, the job is easy. If you are providing a mains supply for heaters/microwave/lighting, then you have a double-double insulation task, especially in a metal hull.
Don't be miss-led by the anodes bolted to the hull to protect against corrosion. You need to keep the shore power completely isolated, as if you were running a heater off an extension lead.
It's an interesting problem, but not needing over-thinking. Hardly anyone dies linking a boat to the marina supply with a commando plug...like a caravan, but with a bit of a twist?

The idea is to generate all power to charge the 12V batteries from solar panels. No available shore hook up at the mooring location. Inverter will be present to provide 230V for a fridge and telly, possibly games console too for the kids.

I think I am over thinking it a bit maybe but was already thinking along the lines of a double insulated system.

 

[pirate]

Like I said, double-double insulation, Andy. It's actually quite a good fun task.

 

[Andy78]

nice gun boat Andy ,are you making sh77 shape for going to pick up some passengers across the pond near Calais France.

That's a proper boat, Andy!

Yeah 'tis a proper boat isn't it ? Will be my brother's new home when finished. So much to do on it but will be great when finished.

We are currently busy ripping out the "renovation" done 15 years ago. What a bodge. Taped connections on all circuits, polystyrene used as insulation holding moisture against the steel hull, flammable materials used in the bedroom ceilings. It's a start again job.... for everything.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Yeah 'tis a proper boat isn't it ? Will be my brother's new home when finished. So much to do on it but will be great when finished.

We are currently busy ripping out the "renovation" done 15 years ago. What a bodge. Taped connections on all circuits, polystyrene used as insulation holding moisture against the steel hull, flammable materials used in the bedroom ceilings. It's a start again job.... for everything.

I will try a dig guy martins number out for you to give some tips .

 

[Andy78]

I will try a dig guy martins number out for you to give some tips .

It's the DIY sos lot I really need

 

[pirate]

Loving that project, Andy! Boats are such amazing renovation jobs.
Stay away from the fine-stranded cabling though...

 

[Sintra]

@Andy78 have a look at this thread as it mentions the required standards. Ship Wiring Regulations - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/ship-wiring-regulations.102111/

 

[Andy78]

@Andy78 have a look at this thread as it mentions the required standards. Ship Wiring Regulations - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/ship-wiring-regulations.102111/

Ah that's great ! did a search of the forum but missed this one.

 

[pirate]

Good shout there, but it's a boat, not a ship...wire it in 4mm singles for the 12v side and all will be well
(apart from the windlass and starter motors, obviously)

 

[Andy78]

Good shout there, but it's a boat, not a ship...wire it in 4mm singles for the 12v side and all will be well
(apart from the windlass and starter motors, obviously)

I'll not be touching the engine room wires or any of the 12V gubbins that runs up to the wheelhouse. That job can be for the professional tinkerers. It just about limped to it's current residence with the gear actuators blowing a boxful of relays in the process. It won't need to move for a year now so that's not a priority really.

It's a mess in the engine room. Two huge double decker bus engines live in there hibernating in a nest of diesel and oil. Water has stopped coming in though which is nice
My brother did make me laugh with his story about his leaky stern glands.

 

[telectrix]

are they gardiner diesels. about 10l each?