Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems, Second Edition
2nd Edition
0071485503
·
9780071485500
© 2008 | Published: July 23, 2007
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 …
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Foreword to the Second Edition by Skip Burdon, President and CEO, American Boat & Yacht Council
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction
Chapter 1. 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
Chapter 2. 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
Chapter 3. Selecting and Using a Multimeter
Multimeters
Selecting a Multimeter
Using Your Multimeter
Measuring Amperage
Measuring Resistance and Continuity
Chapter 4. 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
Chapter 5. 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
Chapter 6. Battery-Charging Systems
Alternator Basics
Engine-Driven Marine Alternators
Alternator Problems
Outboard-Engine Charging Systems
Shore-Power Battery Charging Systems and Installations
Solar Cells
Chapter 7. Maintaining Marine Ignition Systems
Ignition-System Components
Regulations Regarding Ignition Systems
Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems
Maintaining Ignition Systems
MerCruiser Thunderbolt IV and Thunderbolt V Systems
Beyond the Basics: Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems
Outboard and PWC Ignition Tests
Testing Your Stop Switch
Final Checks and Ignition Timing
Chapter 8. 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
Chapter 9. Installing Your Own DC Accessories
Before You Begin
Installing a New Cabin Light
Installing a New Bilge Pump
Adding a New Compact-Disc Player
Chapter 10. Engine Instrumentation Problems and Solutions
Mechanical Gauges
Common Instrument Interpretation Problems
Abnormal Instrument Readings
General Instrument Troubleshooting
The Future
Chapter 11. 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
Chapter 12. Installing
Understand, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade your boat’s electrical systems
Frustrated 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. In Powerboater’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