T-Pain Is On A Boat: Re: [Electric Boats] Rewiring DC electric system and Grounding

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Re: [Electric Boats] Rewiring DC electric system and Grounding

I think there is some confusion here as some people are talking about bonding and some about grounding. Connecting the metal to prevent corrosion on the boat is bonding and depending if you spend a lot of time in marina or not. Also if you use an isolation transformer like I do bonding isnt so much an issue. Now as far as grounding your DC system- I have seen dyanaplates and using a spring strap on your shaft.

My AC neutral is tied to my AC ground in my isolation transformer and I have a RDCM(sp) master GFCI tied in as well. I haven't grounded my DC or ac system to the water but looking at options and configuration.

Sent frommy iPhone

On Mar 1, 2011, at 7:34 AM, "Tom" <boat_works@yahoo.com> wrote:

You are correct, the underwater metal components are connected to each other and to the boat's main DC negative bus. The lightning ground (if fitted) is also tied to the same bus.

The ABYC standard for this has been released since before 2003, when I bought my first copy.
-Tom

--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, John Raynes <johncraynes@...> wrote:
>
> Brian,
>
> Thank you for bringing the "Grounding" question to this forum. I hope there
> is an expert among us who can really nail down how to create a ground for
> electric propulsion. I recommend a ground bus bar wired to the underwater
> metal, ie rudder and steering system and attached a ground wire from the
> negative side of the battery for my ground. Please others on this forum
> comment on this very important issue. Has ABYC finished the official rules
> inregard to grounding for electric systems??
>
> John Raynes
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 8:41 AM, Brian Holt <drmsudo@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I am replacing the electric panel on my aged ericson 27. I replaced the old
> > A4 5 years ago with an electric. In removing the old motor, I lost my common
> > ground to the engine. In place I bolted a bus bar that is by the old motor
> > compartment and have used this. I have not had any problems so far. The boat
> > is in fresh water and I have never had corrosion issues or noticed stray
> > electric current around the boat. Now that I am replacing the panel I am
> > looking to clean up the old wiring. I will also be adding a few things (ie.
> > stereo, gps) and want to ensure that the boat and its wiring are up to par.
> > I would like to hear some ideas or examples of working wiring systems and
> > how they are grounded for DC house, electric motor, and shore power. Thanks
> > for any and all that can help me out.
> >
> >
> >
>