USCG Electrical Safety Standards
On January 31, 1977 the U.S.C.G. Published Safety Standards for Marine Electrical Systems. These Standards Cover Such Technical Details As:
- Batteries and Associated Conductors
- Conductor Size and Ampacity
- Strain Relief and Pull Tests
- Termination Requirements
- Overcurrent Protection
- Ignition Protection
- Grounding
- Insulation
A particular electrical component may be affected by some or all of the above categories. Those categories related to product design have been complied with, however, many additional details must be considered by the installer of the equipment as well in order to achieve compliance with this standard. It is suggested that the actual standard be familiarized when installing equipment. Perhaps one of the most critical requirements is ignition protection. A product that is marked "Ignition Protected" can be used in that area of a boat that is not isolated from a gasoline fuel vapor source. Refer to the actual standard for a determination of what parts of a boat require Ignition Protected products.
If a product is not plainly marked "Ignition Protected" then assume it is not.For details on all of the above, use the following link below.
