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DC Electrical Update Advice Needed

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 1:14 pm
by Patriot
Looking to start updating my DC system starting at the batteries. Looks like everything original...solenoids, large glass fuses etc. Would like to update to today's standards. What are the recommended upgrades/makes/models for switches, relays, etc.

Thanks!

Tom
1977 Bertram 35C

Re: DC Electrical Update Advice Needed

Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2020 10:44 am
by lobsta1
Hi Tom, on my B33 I was chasing a voltage drop problem & replaced the old cartridge fuses with these glass fuse holders.

https://www.genuinedealz.com/collection ... minal-fuse
I used 60 amp fuses. Just make sure they are after the motor starter circuit. I have 9 fuse panels under the lower helm & I don't dare touch those as they have spade lugs, not ring terminals & if you look at them the wrong way, wires start popping off the lugs.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxI ... QBHNSY3ETH

Tried this stuff recently & it is the best I've ever used.
Good Luck
Al

Re: DC Electrical Update Advice Needed

Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:38 pm
by butch
Tom, I own a 1975 35 with 3116 cats , years ago I cleaned up the battery wiring and suggest considering moving the batteries between the inboard stringers in front of the bulkhead below the cabin doors, ( maybe someone already has done this but it cleans up the wet area where they were originally installed) also went to Circuit breakers and got rid of the mess of wiring that was on the backside of the same bulkhead and mounted everything including battery switches on the inside of that bulkhead.I have 2 8D batteries That fit below the stringers , made a platform above the batteries which also works as a good step when going down to the engine room. I also suggest when it’s time for a generator get it out of the back of the boat in the lazaret and install it in front of the starboard engine this is worked well for me for 20 years without any issue and several friends of mine with the same boat have done the same thing. It’s a wet Ugly world in the lazaret , I went thru 2 gen sets before getting smart and moving them. Good luck with the new boat.

Re: DC Electrical Update Advice Needed

Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2020 2:10 pm
by Patriot
Thank You! Good Advice. My genset is only 3 yrs old!

Re: DC Electrical Update Advice Needed

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:32 pm
by Patriot
Went through DC system from batteries to distribution panel. Lots of terminal refresh and environmental splicing. New bronze battery lugs, kept the glass fuses, but added several blue sea breakers in battery compartment. Preserved everything in battery bay, bus bars on in stbd access panel as well as main distribution panel. Not much corrosion creep in conductors at all. Ran amp meter on conductors and nothing getting too hot.
Piddling continues....