[Rhodes22-list] Claude's wiring project

Tue May 9 23:06:06 EDT 2006

Todd;

Thanks for your response.  You are not out of order for suggesting I may be
in over my head on this project.  I have been trying to get with one of the
best marine electrics person in the area, but he is incredibly busy. 
Should I reach the point where I recognize my incompetence to proceed
further, I'll try a professional.  Rummy has offered to help as long as I
keep the rum barrel full, and I know he has completed several electrical
upgrades, so I may put out for the rum, and call him in.

You asked a few questions:  my boat is set up fairly simply--nav lights,
cabin lights, steaming light, instruments, and VHF.  The two Grp 27
wet-cell batteries that came with the boat have died from benign neglect. 
What I know about DC circuits is what I've read in preparation for this
project--I understand the basics, but I am a visual learner, and it would
be most helpful to see this stuff done by a pro at least once.  What do I
know about AC circuits?  Stay the hell away from it unless you know what
you are doing.  I appreciate your suggestion to do the simpler things now,
and let a pro tackle the AC stuff later, and, as a matter of fact, have
been considering just that.  A simple wiring schematic would not be a
problem.  I had thought of paralleling batteries to double the amp hours.

The original location of the electrical panel (just above the step into the
cabin) is somewhat vulnerable--more than once I have kicked the panel,
unintentionally closing a circuit.  In addition, the space will not
accommodate the larger panel I'm planning to install.

Thanks for your questions; keep asking--you may ask me some I should have
thought of, but didn't.

Claude    

> [Original Message]
> From: Todd Tavares <sprocket80 at mail.com>
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Date: 5/8/2006 11:56:57 PM
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Claude's wiring project
>
> Claude,
>
> Comparing your list of electrical wiring necessities and desires to your
> questions of actually doing the wiring....and forgive me for saying
> this....but it seems you may be in a bit over your head.  I am basing
> this assumption on your questions about wiring lights in a series on the
> same circuit.  I am afraid to think about how to explain to you, how to
> do advanced wiring like tying AC shore power in to the boats electrical
> system, paralleling batteries, adding in chargers, monitors, and 110v
> outlets.  Maybe some of us here can help get you started with the basic
> DC system first.  Then down the road you could tackle the shore power,
> chargers, outlets, and monitors.
>
> Let me ask you a few basic questions so we know where to start helping.
>
> How is your boat set up now? 
>
> How much do you know about (DC) electrical circuits?
>
> How much do you know about (AC) circuits?
>
>   Do you know how to read simple wiring schematics, and understand the
> difference between series and parallel circuits?
>
> Why do you want to relocate the main electrical panel?
>
> Todd T.
>
> (I know Michael is cringing right now)
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: "Claude Cox"
>   To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>   Subject: [Rhodes22-list] (no subject)
>   Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 21:29:49 -0400
>
>
>   Hi Everyone;
>
>   I don't say much on the list, but I lurk, and listen real good.
>   For those of you who don't know me: Celtic Lass is docked at
>   Aqualand Marina, Lake Lanier, 45 minutes from Atlanta. She is a
>   recycled (2000) 1986, and has become like a project boat, as I am
>   upgrading the electrical system in preparation for doing some
>   serious trailer sailing. It is around this project that my issues
>   revolve. I have looked in the archives for help, and, while
>   getting some good info, I don't get all that I need. Knowing of
>   the vast expertise on this list, I have worked up the courage to
>   put my issues before you, and seek your help with a project that
>   sometimes feels overwhelming.
>
>   I have gutted the cabin, leaving only the galley counter top,
>   compression post/panel, and the potty; this to see the wire "runs"
>   to determine if I could do the necessary wiring/re-wiring. I am:
>   (1) moving the electrical panel to a spot above the galley and on
>   the compression post/panel that separates the galley from the
>   V-berth; (2) installing two Grp 27 Lifeline AGM batteries,
>   paralleled; a battery monitor; a battery charger; a couple of 12VDC
>   outlets; a 110 V outlet; a 30A shore-power inlet, and an anchor
>   light.
>
>   I understand what's to be done. I've read and re-read Don Casey
>   (Sailboat Electrics Simplified), and Charlie Wing (Boatowner's
>   Illustrated Handbook of Wiring). Understanding is not the
>   problem--execution is. For example: I will have nav lights on one
>   circuit, cabin lights on one circuit, and steaming light, anchor
>   light, instruments, and VHF each on their own cirucit. How do I do
>   the wiring, especially lights in a series on the same circuit (I'm
>   asking about actually doing the wiritng correctly)? What am I
>   missing here? I feel like there are other questions I should ask,
>   but don't know what they are. Maybe some of you know. If you do,
>   I would greatly appreciate knowing what they are.
>
>   This has been a long post, I know, and I appreciate you taking time
>   to read it. As a retired school teacher, I can't say anything
>   briefly. All responses will be much appreciated, and I will
>   certainly keep the list posted as to my progress.
>
>   Claude
>
>
>   Claude Cox
>   cccox at mindspring.com
>   EarthLink Revolves Around You.
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>
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