By Miner Brotherton
174 pp, illus., soft cover.
This is a practical guide for those of us who do not want to earn degrees in electrical engineering but rather just learn enough to keep our boat systems functioning properly. There is even frequent mention of suppliers and part numbers to aid in sourcing — very helpful when suppliers are as scarce as they are in this field.
Contents Include:
BASIC THEORY OF ELECTRICITY
Atoms ad Electrons
Charge
Current
Voltage, Potential Difference, and EMF
Energy
Power
Amp Hours
Resistance
Water Analogy
Ohm's Law
IR Drops and I²R Heat
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS; Parts Of The System
Circuit Components
Series Circuits
Parallel Circuits
THE BATTERY: Heart Of The System
Primary and Secondary Cells
Purpose and Function of the Storage Battery
What Happens When Discharging
What Happens When Charging
Electrolyte and Hydrometers
Preventing Freezing
Using a hydrometer
Differentiating Between Batteries
Anatomy of a battery
Six-volt batteries
Battery Banks
Selecting a Battery
Maintenance and Tools
THE WIPING: Electrical Veins And Arteries
Proper Size
Resistivity
Wire Length
Proper Thickness
Insulation
Identification Codes
Terminals
Installation
A Lesson In Soldering
THE CONTROLS: Brains Of The System
The Control Panel
Where to put it
Replacement alternatives
Switches
Master Switch
Fuses
Circuit Breakers
Relays
Panel Meters
TRANSDUCERS: Things That Do The Work
What Do You Need?
Lights
Navigation Lights
Interior Lights
Exterior Lights
Motors
Motor maintenance
Starter motors
Refrigeration motors
Bilge pumps
Electronics
Installation
Power consumption
Interference
RECHARGING THE BATTERY
Multiple Battery Isolators
Alternators and Generators
The Regulator
Making adjustments
Checking charging voltage
Regulator settings
Recharge rates
Shore Power and Solid State Chargers
Proper AC converter/chargers
Danger: shock and electrolysis
Maintaining proper polarity
Solar Cells
Wind Chargers
Water Chargers
Portable Gasoline Generators
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM
Troubleshooting Principles
The Multifunction Meter
Reading OHMS
Reading DC volts
Reading AC volts
Reading DC amps
Test Lights
A continuity tester
Make your own
Buying or making a test light
Locating Faults
Light doesn't work
Moisture-related problems
Engine won't start
Bilge pump problem
Blinking masthead light
Noodling Out a Solution
Make a picture
Follow a system
Tickling the field
Simple problems with varying degrees of complexity
Leaks and Their Detection
EPILOG
A Few Words of Encouragement and Challenge
Your Electrical Tool Box
Spare Parts and junk
INDEX
Handy Addresses
Installation and Service Record
