WIRING A BOAT - what regulations do apply??

[mikex79]

hi
I need to wire a narrowboat, lighting circuits, socket circuits, floor heating, cooker. The boat if partly wired and at the moment has a diesel run generator only, i need to add a few more circuits and make a connection for the external power supply. What are the regulations that apply to this kind of locations as it is not included in 17th edition wiring regulations. What qualification do I need to do the job and dertify it?

 

[Mac]

hi
I need to wire a narrowboat, lighting circuits, socket circuits, floor heating, cooker. The boat if partly wired and at the moment has a diesel run generator only, i need to add a few more circuits and make a connection for the external power supply. What are the regulations that apply to this kind of locations as it is not included in 17th edition wiring regulations. What qualification do I need to do the job and dertify it?

Don't think you'll find anything in the 17th about narrowboats.Haven't got a clue myself but someone maybe able to help later on.Take a look at this link thou.
Low voltage electrics for marine, motorhome and caravan use

 

[baldsparkies]

I would tend to take giudance from regulations refering to marine installations, and caravan parks, at least you will be in the right ball park so to speak.

 

[Andy Smith]

I would tend to take giudance from regulations refering to marine installations, and caravan parks, at least you will be in the right ball park so to speak.

Good starting place i would say

Ps remeber funny sort of earth water!

 

[lister]

get yourself a copy of the boat safety specs (there is a small section on electrical requirements - noting major) as it will need to be inspected ans pass before they will issue your boat safety certificate.
you pay to have it inspected you dont need to issue any paperwork or have any special qualifications, these inspectors are uasally really helpfull with the do's and dont's (like for instance all cables must be flex no twin and earth allowed etc etc) ask about at your local marina etc

 

[sparkswillfly]

i think cables have to be multi strand due to the movements of the structure on water . this is was in a boat safty spec not bs7671

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Check with the BMF code of conduct, and from memory boats are not regulated untill they are 20m or longer (or commercial). If its a commercial hire, check with the requirements of the insurance company. Its been a while, but there are a few extra considerations when installing on a boat..............Get the earth PD wrong, and the engine/prop could corrode much faster!!!!!!

 

[mikex79]

just to let everybody know this boat is going to be a living acommodation for one familly and is not going to be used for a commercial purposes.does it make any difference?

 

[baldsparkies]

From an insurance veiwpoint you may find you need to comply with wiring to BS6883 seeing as its an on ship install being used as living accomodation.commercial or otherwise so check that one out.

Also, how are you placed for the supply in relation to max demand ? and what earthing arrangements will you be using ?

 

[mikex79]

and what earthing arrangements will you be using ?

yeah that's a good question - what earthing arrangement will i be using - no idea though :-(

 

[castlon11]

yeah that's a good question - what earthing arrangement will i be using - no idea though :-(

Just take the boat out into international waters and wire it however you want, then when the boat has returned it is in compliance with regulations. As long as the boat was in accordance with regulation at the place and date the wiring was done any default would just go down on the test as code 4.

C A U T I O N

(Do not take this advice into consideration as is a joke just making a statement on how to step around the regulations and technicalities of an installation.)

 

[mikex79]

the boat will be mainlz based in camden town - london and there will be children on it so it must be safe

 

[castlon11]

yeah sorry mate was only joking.i have no idea.

 

[empress]

for wiring a boat you would be better to use tinned copper wire/flex in marine enviroment as bare insulated copper goes black and corrosion wicks up the cable at an alrmimg rate.
your biggest worry is galvanic corrosion of the boats fittings ie seacocks ,anodes etc something to do with stray earth currents when connected to a shore supply..
depends on boat construction material .
fitting a marine galvanic isolator can prevent this and they are not expensive.
requires disconnection of all poles including neutral on individual socket points..
finally the big red book 709.411.4 page 193 says you cannot connect a boat to a TNCS supply .
hope that helps
elfyn

 

[chrisvalford]

A little late now but. The main difference between domestic and marine wiring are the cable types, enclosures, and circuit layout. Basically no ring main, no P.V.C or twin and earth, limited supply current, i.p. rated enclosures everywhere with proper glands and properly supported cable runs.
The boat has a diesel generator, so your circuit design should comply with and not exceed the generators spec., if you are using a shore supply as well you need to isolate the generator before connecting the shore supply. Your shore supply will most likely be rated at 16A or 32A, and where their cables are generally long will have the maximum volt drop. You must have a double pole isolator and R.C.D in both your generator and shore supply circuits. Use butyl rubber cable preferably tinned, with crimp connectors (and ferrules where needed) and label/identify each cable at both ends. Use I.P. rated metal enclosures fitted with good quality glands, ensure you have a drip bend and clip the cables properly. Keep your A.C, D.C. and electronics circuits separate. There is a B.S. book similar to the 16th edition for marine electrics, I found one in my college library (very rare). But for small craft all you need to be in the U.K. is a "competent person", which means you should design, install, inspect and test the installation using the best standards you can find?