American Boat & Yacht Council

This Is A Reprint To Be Used As A Guide Only... Contact ABYC For The Current Printing
Electrical Standards & Recommended Practices For Small Craft

 

PAGE#3

E-10.0   12/1996 STORAGE BATTERIES
 E-10.5.7.1 A battery bank consisting of storage batteries connected in series shall be connected for voltage other than its total voltage only when a device specifically designed to equalize the charge between the batteries is utilized.
EXCEPTION: This requirement does not apply to parallel battery banks momentarily connected in series for engine starting.

E-10.6 BATTERY CAPACITY
 E-10.6.1 Cranking batteries shall have at least the cold cranking performance rating (CCA @ O°F) or marine cranking performance rating (MCA @ 32°F) amperage required by the engine manufacturer.
E-10.6.2 Accessory batteries and cranking batteries used as accessory batteries shall have a rated reserve capacity in minutes determined by the calculations in ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems Under 50 Volts.

E-10.7 INSTALLATION
 E-10.7.1 If the mounting surfaces of components of the boat in the immediate vicinity of the battery are of a material attacked by the electrolyte, a mounting means shall be provided that is made of material that is not damaged by electrolyte.
E-10.7.2 Provision shall be made to contain leakage and spillage of electrolyte.
E-10.7.3 Fasteners for the attachment of battery boxes or trays shall be isolated from areas intended to collect spilled electrolyte.
E-10.7.4 Each installed battery shall not move more than one inch (25mm) in any direction when a pulling force of 90 pounds (41kg) or twice the battery weight, whichever is less, is applied through the center of gravity of the battery as follows;
E-10.7.4.1 vertically for a duration of one minute, and
E-10.7.4.2 horizontally and parallel to the boat's centerline, for a duration of one minute fore and one minute aft, and
E-10.7.4.3 horizontally and perpendicular to the boat's centerline for a duration of one minute to starboard and one minute to port.
E-10.7.5 No battery shall be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter, or fitting in a fuel line.
NOTE: This does not prohibit a battery from being installed directly above or below an uninterrupted fuel line. However, if a metallic fuel line is within the 12 inch (305mm) envelope of the surface of the battery, it shall be shielded dielectrically as required in E-10.7.8.
E-10.7.6 Batteries shall not be installed directly below battery chargers or inverters.
E-10.7.7 To prevent accidental contact of the ungrounded battery connection to ground, each battery shall be protected so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the ungrounded battery terminal and uninsulated cell straps. This may be accomplished by means such as;
E-10.7.7.1 covering the ungrounded battery terminal with a boot or non-conductive shield, or
E-10.7.7.2 installing the battery in a covered battery box, or
E-10.7.7.3 installing the battery in a compartment specially designed only for the battery(s).
E-10.7.8 Top Terminal Battery - Each metallic fuel line and fuel system component within 12 inches (305mm) of a battery terminal, and above the horizontal plane of the battery top surface, as installed, shall be shielded with dielectric material to protect against accidental short-circuiting. See Figure 1.
E-10.7.9 Side Terminal Battery - Each metallic fuel line and fuel system component within 12 inches (305mm) of the terminal side of a side terminal battery shall be shielded with a dielectric material to protect against accidental short circuiting. If the battery has side terminals, the horizontal plane shall be considered to begin below the side terminals. See Figure 1.
NOTES: 1. Terminal insulation or battery covers do not comply with this requirement since, during installation or removal of a battery, these protective devices are usually removed in order to connect the cables.
2. Any non-conductive material may be used for shielding as long as it is durable enough to withstand accidental contact by a tool or the battery terminals during servicing, installation or removal.
E-10.7.10 A vent system or other means shall be provided to permit the discharge from the boat of hydrogen gas released by the battery. See ABYC H-2, Ventilation Of Boats Using Gasoline.
E-10.7.11 Battery boxes, whose cover forms a pocket over the battery, shall be vented at the uppermost portion of the cover.
NOTE TO E-10.7.10 and E-10.7.11: These requirements also apply to installations of all batteries whether they employ removable vent caps, non-removable caps, are "sealed" or "maintenance free" batteries, or have pressure regulated valve vent systems with immobilized electrolyte (gel batteries).
E-10.7.12 Batteries shall be charged by means of an automatically controlled device, that is capable of supplying the current and voltage appropriate to the type of battery being charged. See ABYC A-20, Battery Chargers, and ABYC A-25, Power Inverters.

E-10.8 WIRING
 E-10.8.1 Battery wiring shall conform to the Installation section of ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems Under 50 Volts.
E-10.8.2 Connectors to battery terminals shall be made with fitted connectors providing secure mechanical and electrical connections as required in the Wiring Connections' section of ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems Under 50 Volts. Spring clips or temporary clamps shall not be used.
NOTE: A soldered connection that joins a battery terminal connector to a conductor may be used as the sole means of mechanical connection if the length of the soldered joint is at least 1.5 times the diameter of the stranded portion of the battery conductor. See Figure 2.
E-10.8.3 Battery conductors must be sized to satisfy the load calculations as outlined in the section referencing Load Calculations, ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems Under 50 Volts.

Based on ABYC's assessment of the existing technology, and the problems associated with achieving the goals of this standard, ABYC recommends compliance with this standard for all boats, associated equipment, and systems manufactured after July 31, 2001.

E-20.2 SCOPE
 These standards and recommended practices apply to all permanently installed 120 or 240 volt AC powered marine non-rotating battery chargers which supply current at a potential of 50 volts DC or less.
NOTE: This standard does not apply to devices that are intended to supply DC loads without a battery.
A-20.5 REQUIREMENTS - IN GENERAL
A-20.5.1 Battery chargers shall be of the automatically controlled type.
A-20.5.2 All battery chargers shall meet the applicable requirements of UL 1236, Battery Chargers for Charging Engine-Starter Batteries, and the requirements of Supplement SA - Marine Battery Chargers.
A-20.5.2.1 A battery charger shall be provided with an ammeter or an alternative indicator for measuring the output current.
A-20.5.3 All battery chargers shall be designed to withstand an ambient temperature of 70°C (158°F) and operate at the ambient temperature of 50°C (122°F).
A-20.5.4 Isolation of high and low voltage circuits
A-20.5.4.1 High voltage, i.e., 120 volt or 240 volt, and low voltage, i.e., output voltages, shall be electrically isolated from each other by one or more of the following methods:
A-20.5.4.1.1 a metallic shield;
A-20.5.4.1.2 insulation and gap.
EXCEPTION: Chargers having an integral GFCI in the AC input circuit.
NOTE: For inverter/chargers see ABYC A-25, Power Inverters.
A-20.5.4.2 If a metallic shield is used to meet the requirements of A-20.5.4.1 the shield shall be located between the high voltage and low voltage circuit, and shall be connected to the boat's AC grounding (green wire) system.
A-20.5.4.3 If insulation and gap is used to meet the requirements of A-20.5.4.1 the insulation and gap between the high voltage and low voltage circuit shall withstand a high potential test of 1500 volts, 60 Hz, for one minute.
A-20.5.5 Each battery charger shall be supplied with an installation and operation manual.
A-20.5.6 Each ungrounded DC output conductor shall be provided with overcurrent protection, based on the maximum output of the charger, within the charger, or
A-20.5.6.1 the charger manufacturer shall provide instructions to install the overcurrent protection device within 7" of the charger.
EXCEPTION: Self limiting battery chargers.
A-20.5.7 AC Overcurrent Protection - All battery chargers shall incorporate an integral manually resetable circuit breaker or replaceable fuse in the primary circuit to the isolation transformer which will pass the overload test in UL 1236.
EXCEPTION: Self limiting battery chargers.
A-20.5.8 Grommets, bushings, or other means shall be provided to prevent chafing of wires passing through the battery charger case.
A-20.5.9 The battery charger's negative terminal and DC grounded (negative) output conductor shall not be connected to the battery charger case or chassis at the battery charger itself. See ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-20.5.10 Safety signs and labels shall comply with ABYC T-5, Safety Signs and Labels, and shall contain at least the following informational elements:
A-20.5.10.1 The signal word for the hazard intensity level; and
A-20.5.10.2 the nature of the hazard; and
A-20.5.10.3 the consequences that can result if the instructions to avoid the hazard are not followed; and
A-20.5.10.4 instructions on how to avoid the hazard.

A-20.6 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION
 A-20.6.1 The battery charger shall be installed in accordance with the charger manufacturer's instructions.
A-20.6.2 Battery chargers shall be selected and set, or adjusted, to charge the battery at the current and voltage appropriate for the size and type of battery or battery bank(s).
NOTE: For load calculations and reserve capacity see ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-20.6.3 Each ungrounded DC conductor shall be provided with overcurrent protection at the point of connection to the DC electrical system or to the battery, per ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-20.6.4 The installation and overcurrent protection of vessel wiring associated with battery chargers shall comply with ABYC standards ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems On Boats, and ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-20.6.5 Battery chargers shall be installed in a ventilated, dry, accessible location away from heat sources such as dry engine exhaust and other heat producing devices where the ambient temperature may exceed 50°C (122°F).
A-20.6.6 To avoid corrosive fumes, battery chargers shall not be installed directly over batteries.
A-20.6.7 Battery charger controls and meters shall be readily accessible.
A-20.6.8 Battery chargers shall be located so that hinged covers and access plates can be opened.
A-20.6.9 Battery chargers shall be securely fastened to bulkheads or other vessel structure.
A-20.6.10 When mounted, the base of the unit shall be at least two feet above normal bilge water or protected so it is not subject to bilge water splash.
A-20.6.11 The installer shall provide physical protection from falling objects or drippage unless such provision is integral to the battery charger.
A-20.6.12 A readily accessible manual disconnect must be provided in the AC branch supply of the battery charger.
A-20.6.13 If a remote ammeter is provided with a shunt in a positive conductor, the conductors to the meter shall have overcurrent protection at the shunt based on the size of the conductors supplying the remote ammeter.
A-20.6.14 Battery chargers installed in spaces requiring ignition protection shall meet the ignition protection requirements of SAE J1171 or UL 1500.
NOTE: For information on locations requiring ignition protected equipment see: 33 CFR 183.410; ABYC A-1, Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems; ABYC A-22, Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems; ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats; and ABYC H-24, Gasoline Fuel Systems,.
A-20.6.15 The metallic case or chassis shall be connected to the AC and DC grounding systems. See A-20.7.3 and A-20.7.4.2.

A-20.7 WIRING CONNECTIONS
 A-20.7.1 Strain relief shall be provided for all wiring passing through the battery charger case to relieve strain on terminals, splices or internal wiring. Unless a strain relief method is integral with the case for wiring passing through, a means to achieve strain relief shall be installed within six inches of the case.
A-20.7.2 All AC connections shall conform to ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats.
A-20.7.2.1 Provision shall be made to permit the ready connection of three or more AC conductors to the battery charger.
A-20.7.2.2 AC conductor connection points shall be labeled as follows:
A-20.7.2.2.1 L, N, G (120 V AC single phase input), or
A-20.7.2.2.2 L1, L2, G (240 V AC single phase input), or
A-20.7.2.2.3 L1, L2, L3, G (208 or 240 V AC three phase input).
A-20.7.3 The AC grounding conductor (green) shall be connected to the battery charger in a manner so that the AC ground connection will not be disconnected in servicing. This conductor shall be in addition to and independent of the DC grounding conductor required in section A-20.7.4.2. See Figure 1.
A-20.7.4 Provision shall be made within the battery charger to permit the ready connection of the DC output conductors.
A-20.7.4.1 DC output conductor terminals shall be labeled as follows:
A-20.7.4.1.1 DC+, or POS, or +
A-20.7.4.1.2 DC-, or NEG, or -.
A-20.7.4.2 The DC grounding conductor (see Figure 1) shall,
A-20.7.4.2.1 be connected from the metallic case or chassis of the battery charger to the engine negative terminal or its bus, and
EXCEPTION: On outboard powered boats this conductor may be connected to the battery negative terminal or its bus.
A-20.7.4.2.2 not be smaller than one size under that required for the DC current carrying conductors, and not less than 16 AWG.
EXCEPTION: The DC grounding conductor may be one size smaller than the minimum size conductor required for the DC current carrying conductors (See ABYC E-9, Table IV, Allowable Amperage of Conductors For Systems Under 50 Volts) providing the overcurrent protection device in the DC positive conductor is rated no greater than 135% of the ampacity of the DC grounding conductor and the conductor is no smaller than 16 AWG.
A-20.7.4.2.3 the DC negative conductor between the engine negative terminal, or its bus, and the battery negative terminal shall be of an ampacity at least equal to that of the battery charger DC positive conductor.

A-20.8 MARKING
 A-20.8.1 All battery chargers shall be suitably identified by a legible permanent marking on the cabinet where readily visible. This shall include, as a minimum, the following information:
A-20.8.1.1 Manufacturer's name and address;
A-20.8.1.2 Input voltage, amperage and frequency;
A-20.8.1.3 Model number;
A-20.8.1.4 Serial number or date of manufacture;
A-20.8.1.5 Nominal output voltage and current;
A-20.8.1.6 DC output voltage at float or shut-off;
A-20.8.1.7 Continuous output current at 12 volts DC (24 or 32) at specified input voltage at 25°C (77°F);
A-20.8.1.8 Battery type.

A-20.9 LABELS AND WARNINGS
 A-20.9.1 Devices that are ignition protected per UL 1500 or SAE J1171 shall be labeled to indicate their status as ignition protected.

 A-25.5 REQUIREMENTS - IN GENERAL
 A-25.5.1 If the inverter also serves as a battery charger, it shall also meet the requirements of ABYC A-20, Battery Charging Devices.
NOTE: An inverter incorporating a battery charging circuit that meets UL 458, Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts, and Supplement SA, Marine Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems, need not meet UL 1236 as referenced in ABYC A-20, Battery Charging Devices.
A-25.5.2 Output voltage and frequency shall be in accordance with ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
EXCEPTION: Inverters dedicated to supply power to only a specific piece of equipment.
A-25.5.3 All marine power inverters shall meet the applicable requirements of UL 458, Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts, and Supplement SA, Marine Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems.
A-25.5.4 Power inverters shall be automatically controlled to provide frequency and voltage regulation compatible with section 27 of UL 1248, Engine-Generator Assemblies for Use in Recreational Vehicles.
A-25.5.5 Power inverters shall provide isolation of the AC output from the DC supply circuit.
A-25.5.6 Integral inverter receptacle shall be protected by an integral GFCI device in accordance with ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems On Boats. The receptacle is to be used only with cord connected loads.
A-25.5.7 A visible means (e.g., voltmeter or lamp) of determining that the inverter is "on line" and/or in "stand-by" mode shall be provided at the main electrical distribution panel.
A-25.5.8 A warning label shall be provided at the main electrical panel to indicate that the electrical system includes an inverter. See A-25.10.1.
A-25.5.9 Grommets, bushings, or other means shall be provided to prevent chafing of wires passing through the inverter case.
A-25.5.10 Safety signs and labels shall comply with ABYC T-5, Safety Signs and Labels, and shall contain at least the following informational elements:
A-25.5.10.1 The signal word for the hazard intensity level; and
A-25.5.10.2 the nature of the hazard; and
A-25.5.10.3 the consequences that can result if the instructions to avoid the hazard are not followed; and
A-25.5.10.4 instructions on how to avoid the hazard.

A-25.6 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION
 A-25.6.1 The installation and protection of electrical wiring associated with inverters shall comply with ABYC standards ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats, and ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-25.6.2 Inverters shall be installed:
A-25.6.2.1 in a ventilated, dry, accessible location; and
A-25.6.2.2 where the ambient temperature will not exceed 122°F (50°C); and
A-25.6.2.3 away from heat sources, such as dry engine exhaust and other heat producing devices.
A-25.6.3 Inverters shall not be installed directly over batteries.
A-25.6.4 Inverter controls shall be readily accessible.
A-25.6.5 Inverters shall be located so that hinged covers and access plates can be opened.
A-25.6.6 Inverters shall be securely fastened to bulkheads or other vessel structural parts.
A-25.6.7 When mounted, the base of the inverter shall be at least two feet above normal bilge water, or protected so it is not subject to bilge splash.
A-25.6.8 The installer shall provide physical protection from falling objects or drippage unless such provision is integral to the inverter.
A-25.6.9 Overcurrent protection in the DC input circuit shall comply with the requirements of ABYC E-9. This protection is intended to protect the wiring in the DC circuit.
NOTE: See ABYC E-9 for battery switch requirements.
A-25.6.10 If ground fault circuit interruption is provided in the output of the inverter, the ground fault interrupter shall not be located in a compartment requiring ignition protection, unless it is ignition protected as provided in SAE J-1171 or UL 1500.
A-25.6.11 An inverter that does not have an integral ground fault protection device and is installed so that GFCI protection is required by ABYC E-8, shall have the required GFCI device(s) specified by the inverter manufacturer as to GFCI manufacturer and model number.
NOTE: Harmonic distortion of the AC output waveform from some inverters may affect the operation of some GFCI devices.
A-25.6.12 Power inverters installed in spaces requiring ignition protection shall meet the ignition protection requirements of SAE J1171 or UL 1500. See A-25.10.2 for labeling requirements.
NOTE: For information on spaces requiring ignition protected equipment see 33 CFR 183.410; ABYC A-1, Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems; ABYC A-22, Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems; ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems On Boats; ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats; and ABYC H-24, Gasoline Fuel Systems.
A-25.6.13 A means to achieve strain relief shall be installed within six inches of the case unless a strain relief method is integral with the case for wiring passing through.

A-25.7 AC WIRING CONNECTIONS
 A-25.7.1 ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems On Boats, requires a grounded neutral system. The neutral for AC power sources shall be grounded only at the following points:
A-25.7.1.1 The shore power neutral is grounded through the shore power cable and shall not be grounded on board the boat.
A-25.7.1.2 The inverter output neutral shall be grounded at the inverter.
A-25.7.1.2.1 The inverter/charger output neutral shall be grounded at the inverter/charger.
EXCEPTION: Exception to A-25.7.1.2.1: When the inverter/charger is in the charge or transfer mode.
EXCEPTION: Exception to A-25.7.1.2 and A-25.7.1.2.1: On systems using an isolation transformer or a polarization transformer, the inverter or inverter/charger neutral, and the transformer secondary neutral, may be grounded at the main AC grounding bus instead of at the inverter or inverter/charger.
A-25.7.1.3 AC Connections - Provision shall be made within the inverter to permit the ready connection of three or more conductors, terminated with crimp connectors or other connectors that conform to ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats. These terminals or conductors shall be labeled as follows:
A-25.7.1.3.1 L, N, G (120 V AC single phase output), or
A-25.7.1.3.2 L1, L2, G (240 V AC single phase output), or
A-25.7.1.3.3 L1, L2, L3, G (208 or 240 V AC three phase output).
EXCEPTION: Receptacle wiring device connected outputs.
A-25.7.2 If an inverter, and any other source(s) of AC can supply a branch circuit or receptacle, then the transfer from one power source circuit to another shall be made by a means that opens one source circuit before closing the alternate source circuit, preventing arc-over or feedback between sources. (See Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3.)
A-25.7.2.1 A grounded neutral system is required and shall be achieved at the inverter output, when it is serving as the source of AC power.
A-25.7.2.2 The transfer switch(ing) (e.g. switch gear) shall be protected against overcurrent.
A-25.7.2.3 The current rating of the transfer switch (e.g. switch gear) shall be at least equivalent to the ampacity of the branch circuit feeding the transfer switch.
A-25.7.2.4 Inverter integral switching shall switch all ungrounded conductors, and the grounded (neutral) conductor, from ground.
A-25.7.3 Grounding
A-25.7.3.1 The AC grounding conductor (green) shall be connected to the inverter in a manner so that the AC ground connection will not be disconnected in servicing. This conductor shall be in addition to and independent of the DC grounding conductor required in section A-25.8.2. See Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3.

A-25.8 DC WIRING CONNECTIONS
 A-25.8.1 DC Input Connections - Terminals, terminations, crimp connectors or conductors shall comply with ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats. These terminals or conductors shall be labeled as follows:
A-25.8.1.1 DC+, or POS, or +
A-25.8.1.2 DC-, or NEG, or -
A-25.8.1.3 DC grounding to engine negative terminal or bus.
A-25.8.2 The DC grounding conductor (see Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3) shall,
A-25.8.2.1 be connected from the case of the inverter to the engine negative terminal or its bus, and
EXCEPTION: Outboard powered boats may be connected to the battery negative terminal or its bus.
A-25.8.2.2 shall be of an ampacity equal to that of the DC positive conductor feeding the inverter.
EXCEPTION: The DC grounding conductor may be one size smaller than the minimum size conductor required for the DC current carrying conductors (See ABYC E-9, Table IV, Allowable Amperage of Conductors For Systems Under 50 Volts) providing the overcurrent protection device in the DC positive conductor is rated no greater than 135% of the ampacity of the DC grounding conductor and the conductor is no smaller than 16 AWG.
A-25.8.3 The inverter's, or inverter/charger's, negative terminal and DC grounded (negative) conductor shall not be connected to the inverter case or chassis at the inverter or inverter/charger itself. See Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3. See ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-25.8.4 The DC negative conductor between the engine negative terminal, or its bus, and the battery negative terminal shall be of an ampacity at least equal to that of the inverter DC positive conductor.

A-25.9 MARKING
 A-25.9.1 All inverters shall have a readily visible, legible, and permanent marking on the inverter cabinet. As a minimum, the marking shall include the following data;
A-25.9.1.1 manufacturer's name and address, and
A-25.9.1.2 input voltage and current, and
A-25.9.1.3 model number, and
A-25.9.1.4 serial number or date of manufacture and
A-25.9.1.5 nominal output voltage, and frequency, and
A-25.9.1.6 continuous current at rated voltage, and
A-25.9.1.7 surge capability and duration.

A-25.10 LABELS AND WARNINGS
 A-25.10.1 The inverter manufacturer shall provide a warning label that complies with A-25.5.10, to be installed at the boat's main electrical panel, indicating that there is an inverter installed.

A-25.10.2 Inverters that are ignition protected in accordance with SAE J1171 or UL 1500, shall be so labeled.
A-25.10.3 Inverters that are not ignition protected in accordance with SAE J1171 or UL 1500, shall be labeled in accordance with A-25.5.10.
A-25.10.4 Hinged covers and access plates on the inverter that permit access to high voltage connections shall be labeled in accordance with A-25.5.10
A-25.10.5 Hinged covers and access plates on the inverter that permit access to low voltage connections shall be labeled in accordance with A-25.5.10.

A-27.5 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - IN GENERAL
A-27.6 Ignition Protection
A-27.6.1 All generator sets shall be ignition protected in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats, and ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems On Boats.
EXCEPTION: Boats using diesel fuel as the only fuel source.
A-27.6.2 If any electrical component is required to be ignition protected, the generator set, and the sound shield or enclosure, shall be visibly marked with a safety label in accordance with the requirements of A-27.18.2. See A-27.18.2.2 for an example of the label.
A-27.6.3 High tension cable assemblies shall conform to SAE J1191, High Tension Ignition Cable Assemblies - Marine.
A-27.6.4 Ignition distributors shall conform to SAE J1294, Ignition Distributors - Marine, or UL 1120, Marine Engine Ignition Systems and Components.
A-27.6.5 Shorting switches for magneto ignition systems shall be located outside spaces requiring ignition protection, or
A-27.6.5.1 shall be ignition protected in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems On Boats.

A-27.7 ENCLOSURES
A-27.7.6 Terminal enclosures for AC output power shall meet the following requirements:
A-27.7.6.1 Output wiring connections shall be made in an enclosure so that these connections can be readily inspected after the generator is installed as intended; and
A-27.7.6.2 An enclosure intended for the connection of a supply conduit, etc., shall be so attached to the generator set so that the enclosure is prevented from turning; and.
A-27.7.6.3 Generator set output wiring connections shall be provided with strain relief; and
A-27.7.6.4 If an enclosure is to enclose wire-to-wire connections, it shall have a minimum dimension of the cover opening, and a minimum usable volume in accordance with Table I; and,
A-27.7.6.5 If an enclosure surrounds rigidly mounted terminals, it shall be sized to provide spacings in accordance with Table III, and usable volume in accordance with Table II; and
A-27.7.6.6 Metal enclosures to which a wiring system is to be connected shall be not less than 0.032 inch (0.8mm) thick if painted steel (No. 20 MSG), not less than 0.034 inch (0.9mm) thick if galvanized steel (No. 20 GSG), and not less than 0.045 inch (1.1mm) (No. 16 AWG) thick if nonferrous.
EXCEPTION: Non-metallic boxes shall meet the requirements of UL 514C, Non-metallic Outlet Boxes, Flush-device Boxes, and Covers.

A-27.8 SOUND SHIELDS
 A-27.8.4 Batteries shall not be installed within a sound shield
A-27.9 WIRING TERMINALS AND LEADS - AC (50 TO 300 v)
A-27.9.1 A generator set shall be provided with output wiring terminals for the connection of conductors having an ampacity in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats.
A-27.9.2 A terminal intended solely for connection of an AC equipment grounding conductor shall be capable of securing a conductor of the size for the particular application, in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats.
A-27.9.3 Each lead provided for wiring to the generator set, or for interconnection between parts of the generator, shall be provided with a means to prevent stress from being transmitted to internal connections when subjected to an axial pull of 20 pounds (9kg), applied for 1 minute, without any displacement.
NOTE: This test may be waived if the leads are not intended to be exposed in the final application, and are handled only when the generator set is being factory wired.
A-27.9.4 Wiring color shall comply with the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats, or
A-27.9.4.1 wires shall be identified by permanent marking, so that proper output connections can be made by use of the generator set installation instructions, and a wiring diagram contained therein.
A-27.9.5 A current carrying part shall be of silver, copper, or a copper alloy.

A-27.10 WIRING TERMINALS AND LEADS - DIRECT CURRENT
 A-27.10.1 All generator sets and control wiring shall meet the requirements of ABYC E-9, DC Electrical Systems On Boats.
A-27.10.2 In addition to normal negative ground, a second crossover stud shall be provided to the cranking motor of the generator set.

A-27.11 INTERNAL GENERATOR SET WIRING
 A-27.11.1 Unless it is an uninsulated energized part, insulated internal wiring, including an equipment grounding conductor, shall meet the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats.
A-27.11.2 Wiring shall be protected from sharp edges, including screw threads, burrs, fins, moving parts, hot generator set parts, exhaust systems, fuel systems, and other features that might damage the insulation of a conductor. Acceptable protection may include clamps, grommets, loom, sleeves, added insulation, and routing.
A-27.11.3 Wiring and cables shall not be exposed to drippage of fuel, oil, or grease, and shall not be supported on oil or grease-retaining surfaces unless insulation or other protection, approved for the application, is provided.

A-27.12 SEPARATION OF CIRCUITS
 A-27.12.8 Bonding and Grounding. All exposed non-current carrying metal parts that could become energized due to a fault shall have metal-to-metal contact, or otherwise be electrically connected or bonded together, to provide a common ground connection.
A-27.12.8.1 The generator set shall be provided with a designated bonding terminal. This terminal shall not be on a part of the machine disassembled during operation or routine maintenance.
A-27.12.8.2 The bonding terminal shall be of adequate size for a flexible grounding conductor, and
A-27.12.8.2.1 the terminal shall accommodate at least No. 8 AWG wire or its equivalent.
NOTE: A battery negative connection may serve to meet this requirement.

A-27.13 TESTS REQUIRED
 A-27.13.3 Variation in Rated Voltage and Frequency. In order to protect appliance motors attached to the output of generator sets, the generator set shall maintain the following characteristics during any steady state conditions from no load to full rated load;
A-27.13.3.1 plus or minus 10 percent of rated voltage, at rated frequency, and
A-27.13.3.2 plus or minus 5 percent of rated frequency, at rated voltage, and
A-27.13.3.3 a combined variation in voltage and frequency of plus or minus 10 percent (sum of absolute values) of the rated values where voltage and frequency variations are of opposite signs, provided the frequency variation does not exceed plus or minus 5 percent of rated frequency. See Appendix C.
A-27.13.4 Overload or Short Circuit Protection
A-27.13.4.1 The generator and feeder conductors to the junction box for connection to the load shall be protected by an appropriately rated overcurrent protective device, not to exceed 120% of rated current in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-8, Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats.
EXCEPTION: This overcurrent protection need not be provided for generator sets having a collapsible field or other built-in overcurrent protection, if feeder conductors are sized for the maximum sustained current available.


 A-27.16 GENERATOR SET MARKING
 A-27.16.1 All fuses, switches, meters, circuit breakers, lights, etc. must be identified as to their function.

Bottom Of Page #3

 

<--- Previous Page