Electrical Systems

Manufacturer Requirements

The regulation also provides an alternative where electrical components need not be ignition protected. If the electrical component is installed in a boat and is isolated from gasoline engines and gasoline fuel system components, except for uninterrupted runs of fuel lines, then the electrical component does not need to be ignition protected. Isolation of electrical components is discussed in 183.410 (b)(2), later in this guideline.

Isolation of an electrical component may be accomplished in a number of ways:

1. Bulkheads.
2. Deck or special enclosures.
3. Installing the component in an open space with 2 feet minimum distance from the source of fuel.

This section deals with bulkheads; the next two sections discuss the other methods.

A bulkhead is a vertical wall-like structure that may run transversely (across) or longitudinally (fore to aft) in a boat. Bulkheads are used both for strength and to separate a boat into
different use areas, such as engine room, fuel tank compartment, living space, storage compartment, etc. By taking advantage of the location of bulkheads and installing electrical
components accordingly, it may be possible to use non-ignition protected electrical components in many installations. Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 depict some typical boats and the use of bulkheads for isolation.

A bulkhead and deck may be combined to accomplish isolation, such as where a boat has a cabin bulkhead in front of the engine compartment and a deck over the engine compartment.

Specific details of the construction of a bulkhead including watertightness, opening, penetrations and structural extent are covered in 183.410.(c), later in this guideline.

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