January 04, 2023 3 min read

Whether it's cold or hot, whether it's a simpler or more technological boat, there's no way you are not depending on electrical installations for more comfortable and efficient sailing.

Main electrical problems that appear on vessels

Batteries are the first equipment to be inspected and it must be analyzed whether they are without load or with oxidation on the terminals. Also, check automatic pumps, blown bilges, oxidized starter motor brushes, oxidized or blown fuses, and rusty electrical connections.

Typical winter and summer occurrences


As is known, electrical and electronic systems are very sensitive to humidity and salinity and end up oxidizing the materials, forming short circuits or interrupting the passage of chain.

IN WINTER – During the winter we have to take care with humidity. The recommendation is to keep the equipment turned on whenever possible so that their own heating favor the removal of moisture.
IN THE SUMMER – Already in the summer we have the excess temperature of the engine rooms as a problem. Batteries, for example, should never work above 28ºC, to avoid premature formation of oxides on the plates. It is called “battery memory”.

The nautical electrical systems have particularities that must be observed very strictly to ensure good performance, safety and durability.
Fortunately, a few years ago, there was the appearance of good shipyards that produce in series their vessels and the “electrical system” item is taken very seriously by these companies. Today, for example, there is no longer any disagreement that electrical cables, connectors and busbars used in the system must be tinned. It is also no longer used on board domestic, industrial or automotive equipment without proper “marinization”.

A pre-purchase check order would be:
• If the electrical system has its design available
• If it was built with materials suitable for nautical use
• Then proceed to test the functioning of the system, the electrical equipment and the electronics. The ideal is to submit the whole system to a simultaneous operation that this will present any error or defect in the sizing of the system. This load operation maximum will also show whether the circuit protection devices are working well.
• Equipment that has hour meters can be evaluated there. Also check if the maintenance was carried out according to the manufacturers' instructions.
• Make a visual inspection of electrical harnesses, ducts and conduction channels, observing if they are fixed correctly, if they have good ventilation, if they meet the norms of identification and isolation.
• It is very important to know if the plastic materials used in the electrical system meet the safety standard as to being flameproof.

 

Electrical checklist before using the boat

• Fully charged battery
• Main switches in the correct positions for use (when applicable)
• Check if alternators are charging
• Test generator operation
• Check fuses
• Automatic check of bilge pumps
• Check navigation lights
• Turn on the navigation system and check its operation

Boats today have a significant amount of electrical equipment and electronics installed to offer more comfort for those who navigate. This, on the other hand, implies that the user has greater knowledge when operating this equipment. It is very important for the follow-up, of who will operate the boat, of the technical delivery that the shipyards usually do. Better understand how your boat's electrical system works, it guarantees smooth sailing.
It became clear that one of the biggest problems is the humidity and salinity that end up oxidizing the materials, thinking about this and other solutions of the same kind as Solderstick developed the waterproof solder wire connector kit, with IP67 waterproof protection you won't have these problems when you need to connect one cable to another. Becoming the best option for reliability of your boat's electrical system.

 

 


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    Secured and Waterproof Wiring Connections in Literally Seconds! SolderStick eliminates the hassle and allows you to focus on rewiring done the right way.
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    Thick copper barrel ensures strong secure crimping every time, providing minimal voltage drop, high current flow, and less heat. These will prevent short circuits and problematic wiring that inferior connectors are known for. Insulation tubing has unique dual-walled design. High quality 3:1 shrinkage tubing has a heat-activated sealant lining to provide a 360-degree secure seal. It's flame-retardant, waterproof, and can be used underground Package includes: Total 300 PCS Heat Shrink Ring Connectors. Wire range: 22-18 ( red ) / 16-14 ( blue ) / 12-10 ( yellow ) A.W.G.  Copper barrel is an excellent conductor of electricity, corrosion resistant and has a very high melting point. These salient features will generate minimal heat while maintaining a high current flow with minimal voltage drop. COMPLIANT WITH ALL ELECTRICAL STANDARDS – SolderStick heat shrink connectors are compliant with ROHS, ISO 9001:2008, SGS and CE standards. Total: 300pcs100pcs Red(M5#10: 25pcs, M6 1/4”: 25pcs, M8 5/16”: 25pcs, M10 3/8”: 25pcs)100pcs Blue((M5#10: 25pcs M6 1/4”: 25pcs, M8 5/16”: 25pcs,M10 3/8”: 25pcs)100pcs Yellow ((M5#10: 25pcs, M6 1/4”: 25pcs, M8 5/16”: 25pcs, M10 3/8”: 25pcs) Specifications 100 RedWire range: 0.5~1.5mm², A.W.G.:22~18, Maximum current = 19A100 BlueWire range: 1.5~2.5mm², A.W.G.:16~14, Maximum current = 27A100 YellowWire range: 4~6mm², A.W.G.:12~10, Maximum current = 48A  
  • 400pcs Spade Connectors Kit - solderstick
    Thick brass in the wire connectors ensures strong secure crimping every time, providing small voltage drop, high current flow, and less heat. These will prevent short circuits and problematic wiring that inferior knockoff connectors are known for. How To Use        
  • T-Tap Wire Connectors - solderstick
    Tap into any wire with ease using our T-Type Quickconnection terminals! T-Tap Connectors are used to tap into an existing wire. Closing the quick slide connector makes a connection to the wire that can be accessed using a push-on terminal. T-Tap Wire Terminals allow you to tap an existing wire with another wire with ONE crimp and no additional connections. No wire stripping is necessary. Simply clip part over the primary wire and close with a pair of pliers No special tools are required  Taps are insulated, color coded by wire size All taps meet or exceed UL and SA standards   HOW TO USE: Simply insert both wires into the splice, squeeze down on the metal insert with pliers, and close the cap. SPECIFICATIONS: Quantity: 120 PCS Material: Nylon, Copper, Tin Maximum Operating Temperature: 221 °F Maximum Recommended Voltage Rating: 600 V Box Size: 20cm x 15cm x 5cm Package Weight: 0.35 kg PACKAGE INCLUDES: 20 x Red Connectors 20 x Blue Connectors 20 x Yellow Connectors 20 x Red T-Tap Wire Terminals 20 x Blue T-Tap Wire Terminals 20 x Yellow T-Tap Wire Terminals  
  • 164pcs Color-Coded Heat Shrink Tubing - solderstick
    ✔️ EASY AND FAST PROCESS All-in-one step solder and seal process. Shrink quickly, durable and evenly with our 2:1 shrink ratio polyolefin tubing to create a tight bond with connecting wires. ✔️ STAY ORGANIZED Our connectors come within a storage box, easy to store and carry. You can throw the heat shrink tubing kit in your toolbox and not have to worry about size getting mixed together. ✔️ ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY AND SAFE Made of polyolefin, soft and flexible, acid and alkali resistance, anti-aging. This ensures that wires are tightly connected and prevents wires slipping out of the terminal. ✔️ WIDE APPLICATIONS Provide a barrier between cables and corrosive chemicals, insulate cables and wires against extreme heat in aircraft, boats, and military-grade vehicles. Suitable for electrical insulation, strain relief, cable bonding, color-coding, and identification. Specification: 60pcs 1.0 x 40mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 30pcs 2.0 x 40mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 20pcs 3.0 x 40mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 16pcs 4.0 x 40mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 12pcs 6.0 x 40mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 10pcs 8.0 x 80mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 8pcs 10.0 x 80mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set 8pcs 14.0 x 80mm Heat Shrink Tubing Set  
  • SolderStick Butt Wire Connector - SolderStick
    Tinned Copper Core: butt connectors kit use a heavy-duty copper core, strong crimp, higher conductivity. Waterproof Durable: Insert the wires to be connected, crimp both sides with crimping pliers, and then heat with a heat gun, wire connectors kit is very strong. 3:1 Shrink Ratio: Marine grade waterproof wire connectors provide high tensile strength and enough hot melt adhesive inside the tubing to ensure waterproof performance, your wires will never slip out of the wire connectors. Wide Application: Wire Connectors are durable, stable, waterproof, and corrosion resistant and are used in the automotive, marine, electrical, and electronic industries. Package Includes: 180 pieces heat shrink butt connectors kit (30 pieces yellow butt connectors, 60 pieces blue wire connectors, 90 pieces red butt connectors)
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    Key Features: Quick Connect-Disconnect: Ideal for applications requiring frequent wire connections. High Conductivity: Ensures a reliable electrical connection every time. Multipurpose Use: Great for automotive, household, and industrial wiring needs. Durable Materials: Crafted from corrosion-resistant metals for longevity. Safety Standards: Complies with all relevant industry safety benchmarks. Assorted Sizes: Choose from a variety of sizes to match your specific wire gauges, the box comes with 250 pieces divided in 3 sizes. Warranty: 30 day warranty for peace of mind.