ABYC Webinar - De-mystifying Basic Electrical Concepts
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/3/2020 to
System Integration

This ABYC Webinar covers a lot of ground and discusses wiring, wire sizing, circuit protection and the basic concepts involved in putting together a marine electrical system
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How to deal with a boat that is tripping the dock Ground Fault circuit breaker
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/11/2019 to
Circuit Protection

Recently boaters have been coming across docks fitted with ground fault circuit breakers on their shore power receptacles. This is in accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code and applies to all new construction. Eventually, as docks get rebuilt, all docks will be wired to this standard. Unfortunately for some boaters their boats are having a hard time using these receptacles because they trip immediately on switching on the power. This article is an attempt to explain what this is all about and what can be done about it.
Sourcing High Voltage DC Equipment
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/13/2018 to
Circuit Protection
I get asked all the time about high voltage DC applications. Most equipment we sell at PKYS tops out at 48 Volts DC rating, only a few items are rated higher, and quite a lot have lower ratings. Finding equipment for high voltage applications is not that easy.
A comparison of ANL and MEGA fuses
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/19/2015 to
Circuit Protection
ANL and MEGA fuses are similar high amperage DC fuses but there are some big differences. Here is a comparison.....
An explanation of the interrupt rating for circuit breakers and fuses
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/9/2014 to
Circuit Protection
In extreme cases a fuse carrying an excessively high current can vaporize and the metal can be deposited on the base of the fuse block in a way that permits it to continue to carry current. Similarly with circuit breakers, if the level of fault current goes above a certain level the circuit breaker can become inoperable while still conducting current. Fuses and circuit breakers all have an interrupt rating which is a measure of the current that a circuit breaker can safely disconnect in the event of a fault. The interrupt rating may be different for AC and DC and may vary at different voltages..........
Overcurrent Protection
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/5/2013 to
Circuit Protection
ABYC Standard 11.10 OVERCURRENT PROTECTION is a key section of the standards. The principal is very clear, an overcurrent device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, needs to be placed within seven inches of where the conductor is connected to the source of power. The overcurrent device is protecting THE WIRE from carrying more current than it is able. What follows is an outline of this part of the standard but please see the disclaimer at the end.