ABYC. Electrical recommendations

[Toolsntoys]

I am in the process of rewriting my boat. I purchased new engines in 12v and removed all the 32v systems and electrical panels In researching wiring codes I found that ABYC required 120v ac wire bundles be at least 100mm space away from dc bundles. In the 53 that’s impossible to do at the point where the wiring goes up to the helm area in the engine rooms and also up to the flybridge. I’m sure this is due to heat and fire precautions. The boat was built that way from Hatteras. Will I have a problem getting a clean survey in the future ?

 

[Boatsb]

I am in the process of rewriting my boat. I purchased new engines in 12v and removed all the 32v systems and electrical panels In researching wiring codes I found that ABYC required 120v ac wire bundles be at least 100mm space away from dc bundles. In the 53 that’s impossible to do at the point where the wiring goes up to the helm area in the engine rooms and also up to the flybridge. I’m sure this is due to heat and fire precautions. The boat was built that way from Hatteras. Will I have a problem getting a clean survey in the future ?

Separation of 100 mm is not much. About 4 inches but the reason is more than just heat and load. Its RF too.

I don't pay ABYC to be certified but I do a ton of wiring.

The biggest issues that are found on surveys are not always the most important. Wire for safety not surveys.

I'd make sure the wire size is more than adequate and that protection is within their recommendations.

My favorite ABYC question is where to fuse a charger inverter. Figure that one out and you will understand.

 

[Scarlett]

ABYC are only guidelines, not requirements. Some new boats are built to ABYC specs as a marketing tool. As a marine electrician I use there recommendations when I think they can be applied and make sense, however some of there recommendations I question. Older boats would be almost impossible to redo to meet all their suggestions as you stated and there is really no need to do so. These Hatts in general were wired about as good as you could for the times they were done. John

 

[oscarvan]

My favorite ABYC question is where to fuse a charger inverter. Figure that one out and you will understand.

I'll bite......

(Assuming the newer style "pass through" with no individual breakers for the 120V output circuits on the I/C itself)

12V fuse sized to spec, usually to cover the max wattage of the inverter side.

120V supply/120V inverted feed breaker sized to spec. Needs to cover the charger and all pass through circuits.

Sub panel, or sub section on main AC panel with individual breakers for 120V output circuits.

At least, that's how my Motorhome is wired. 150A DC Fuse, 30A 120V AC supply, and 4 15A or 20A breakers for the downstream circuits.