electric circuits in water

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by ExileMoon, Aug 14, 2015.

  1. ExileMoon
    Joined: Oct 2009
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    Location: Shanghai

    ExileMoon Junior Member

    Under normal circumstances, the yacht electric circuits are in a safe state.

    But if the boat capsized, and internal water, had dried safety circuit can be soaked in seawater. This time it will have leakage phenomenon.

    Things such as power outlets seem difficult to achieve good protection.

    Yacht design and construction may be employed that way to avoid this dangerous?
     
  2. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    You are correct! For AC wiring on boats there is protective ground and residual current detecting devices, but for the DC circuitry there is no protection feasible.

    A capsized boat will suffer extensive damage starting at the battery poles and following all electrical paths connected to them. By the time the boat has been recovered and dried, electrolysis has dissolved so much copper that the only solution is complete replacement of all wiring.
     
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    A capsized boat and a swamped boat are different things.
     
  4. Jim Caldwell
    Joined: Aug 2013
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    Location: Cleveland, Ohio

    Jim Caldwell Senior Member

    Shouldn't a battery switch set to OFF solve the wiring problem past the switch?
     

  5. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    No, because specially salt water is an electrolyte. That means it conducts electricity and will bypass the switch.
     
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