Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Improvements (Hardcover, 2)

Foreword to the Second Edition by Skip Burdon, President and CEO, American Boat & Yacht Council

Preface to the Second Edition

Introduction

Chapter 1. Electrical Basics You Need to Know

What Is Electricity?

Electrical Circuits

Ohm's Law and What It Can Tell Us

Voltage Drop

Putting It All Together

Circuit Problems and How They Occur

Tools

Chapter 2. Working with Wiring Diagrams

The Trouble with Boats

Wiring Diagrams

Common Symbols

Component Identification

Wire Identification and the ABYC Color Code

Expanding the Basic Circuit

Locating Components

Drawing Your Own Wiring Diagram

Chapter 3. Selecting and Using a Multimeter

Multimeters

Selecting a Multimeter

Using Your Multimeter

Measuring Amperage

Measuring Resistance and Continuity

Chapter 4. Wire and Circuit Protection Standards and Repair Procedures

Order Out of Chaos

ABYC Standards and Recommendations

Basic Wiring

Wire Size

Wire Insulation

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Ignition Protection

Testing Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Levels of Circuit Protection

Acceptable Locations for Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Wire Routing and Support

Connecting the Dots: Making Wiring and Connection Repairs

Chapter 5. Batteries and Battery Systems

How Batteries Work: The Basics

Basic Chemistry

Types of Lead-Acid Batteries

Which Battery Is Right for You?

Battery Safety

Battery Maintenance and Testing

Battery Installations

Testing Your Batteries

Chapter 6. Battery-Charging Systems

Alternator Basics

Engine-Driven Marine Alternators

Alternator Problems

Outboard-Engine Charging Systems

Shore-Power Battery Charging Systems and Installations

Solar Cells

Chapter 7. Maintaining Marine Ignition Systems

Ignition-System Components

Regulations Regarding Ignition Systems

Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems

Maintaining Ignition Systems

MerCruiser Thunderbolt IV and Thunderbolt V Systems

Beyond the Basics: Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems

Outboard and PWC Ignition Tests

Testing Your Stop Switch

Final Checks and Ignition Timing

Chapter 8. Tracing and Repairing Starter-Motor Circuits

Coast Guard Regulations for Starter Motors

Starter-Motor Problems and Solutions

Troubleshooting Starter-Motor Circuits

Outboard-Engine Starter Circuits

Testing the Neutral-Safety Switch

Engine Ignition Switch

Other Outboard-Engine Starter-Motor Problems

Chapter 9. Installing Your Own DC Accessories

Before You Begin

Installing a New Cabin Light

Installing a New Bilge Pump

Adding a New Compact-Disc Player

Chapter 10. Engine Instrumentation Problems and Solutions

Mechanical Gauges

Common Instrument Interpretation Problems

Abnormal Instrument Readings

General Instrument Troubleshooting

The Future

Chapter 11. Alternating Current and AC Equipment

What Is Alternating Current?

AC on Your Boat

AC Safety

Color Coding for AC Wiring

Comparisons between AC and DC Circuits

AC Overcurrent Protection

Basic AC Outlet Connections

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

Checking Voltage, Continuity, and Polarity on AC Circuits

Selecting a DC-to-AC Inverter

AC Generators

Galvanic Isolators

Chapter 12. Installing Marine Electronic Equipment

Electronic Gadgetry

Universal Installation Details

Power Supply

Installing a VHF Radio

How Much Can I Gain?

The Coaxial Question

Installing a Fish-Finder or Depth-Sounder

Installing a GPS Receiver

Installing Your Own Radar

Glossary

Resources

Index