basic electricity for marine installations

Ivan Pereira de Mendonça

 basic electricity for marine installations

Index

01 - DDP; Strength and endurance 03

02 - Direct current and alternating current 04

03 - Connection series and parallel X 06

04 - Electric motors - watt 08

05 - Alternators 10

06 - Starting motor 12

07 - Indicator (water temperature, voltmeter, ammeter, hourmeter) 14

08 - Tests - (continuity - battery) 15

09 - Wiring Diagrams - symbolism 17

10 - Spark plugs - CDI 18

11 - Rectification - bridge rectifier / voltage regulator 18

12 - Facilities - yarn sizing; relays;

terminal strip; Assembly ; panel; fuse; circuit breakers; 19
 basic electricity for marine installations

01 - DDP; Strength and Endurance

The figure below shows two water tanks, the tank "A" with a higher level than the tank "B" are both
interconnected and the valve that controls this interconnection is opened due to the force of gravity
the water will flow from tank "a" to "B" until the water level becomes equal in both tanks. it is
important to note that it is not the pressure in the tank "A" which causes the flow of water, but the
pressure difference between them when this difference is over, also just the flow of water, we can
say that this pressure difference is the potential difference that exists between them.

Already in the drawing below the tank, we have a tank with tube 4 connected to it, the two upper
"A" and "B" have a lower potential than the tubes "C" and "D". and outputs "A" and "C" provide
smaller diameter lower water outlet pipe intensity than "B" and "D" of greater diameter.

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In electricity have the same facts as in many cases the electricity can be compared to a fluid, then
we have potential difference is measured in volts (V), intensity differences are measured in Ampere
(A), there is another greatness not mentioned above, but is easily observed that the resistance
(Ohm), which counteracts the strength, in the case of water a tube with smaller diameter produces
more resistance than a larger diameter tube.

As the water movement in the above examples is caused by gravity, electricity is an electron
motion, which we call electric current represented by the letter (i), which starts from an accumulator
(battery) or a a source of electrical current.

02 - Direct current and alternating current

The electrical current supplied by the battery or the battery is a simple and constant current where
there is the movement of electrons from the negative battery terminal to the positive terminal, ie the
terminal that is lacking in electrons, which causes the difference potential. and so has the + symbol,
since electrons are characterized by having negative charge in the terminal where there are electrons
have the symbol (-).

Figure 3

However to facilitate understanding of the circuits, conventionally be said that the current direction
is polo + to -, ie, the current direction is opposite to the movement of electrons.

Direct current

The direct current (CC or DC) common and batteries has the characteristic of having its difficult
transmission and with great loss, to solve this problem the inventor Nicola Tesla created the
generation and transmission of electric current waveform, this it is constant with alternations in
their generation, known as Alternating Current (AC or CA).
To get the current alternately it takes its own power generator, commonly called alternator, or an
electronic device that simulates this effect, the drive current.
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DC found in batteries:

DC found in generators (dynamos):

Alternating current :

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03 - Connection and Series X parallel

Serial connection

A simple circuit consisting of: a) a source of electrical EMF or pressure; b) resistance in the form of
an electrical consumer device; c) conducting the electrical current

Without any resistance in the circuit, the potential difference between the two terminals would be
very quickly neutralized or electron flow would be so violent that the chain would be overheated
conductor (short circuit)

Then we have the following representation:

Or a practical scheme:

In this case happens to sum capacity (potential, 4.5V), this is the serial link.

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Parallel connection

In a parallel connection of representation are:

In a practical scheme are:

When connecting the battery (or batteries) in parallel have no increase in stress, but have increased
current carrying capacity (A)

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04 - Electric motors - watt

Joule effect:

The electrical current is the result of movement of free electrons, as we have seen. When the electric
current there are particles in motion just colliding with other parts of the conductor are at rest,
causing an excitation which in turn will generate a heating effect. This effect gives the name Joule.

The heating in the wire can be measured by Joule's law, which is mathematically expressed as:

Q = i².Rt
Being :
i = current intensity
R = resistance conductor
t = time at which the current runs through the conductor

This relation is valid provided that the current intensity is constant during the time interval
occurring.

The watt (symbol: W) is the power unit of the International System of Units (SI). It is equivalent to
one joule per second (1 J / s).

The watt unit is named in honor of James Watt, for his contributions to the development of the
steam engine, and was adopted by the Second Congress of the British Association for the
Advancement of Science in 1889.

In mechanical watt is the power developed by a force of one newton applied to a point that moves
one meter in a second. That is, a point on which applies a force of one newton (1Kgm) moves at a 1
m / s, then the power is equal to 1 watt (W 1 = 1 Nm / s):

Where:
F is the force expressed in newtons.
d is the distance in meters.
t is the time expressed in seconds.
v is the speed expressed in m / s.
The work W is expressed in joules.

In other words the Electric Power is a quantity that measures the time that the electrical energy is
transformed into another form of energy, ie it depends on voltage of the circuit and the amount of
electric current per second, passing by the driver. In an electric power circuit (P) is equal to the
voltage (V) multiplied by the electric current (A), for example:

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P=Vx

A motor consumes 220 Volts and 40 Amps, which is the electric power?

220 x 40 = 8800

The engine has an electric power of 8800 watts.

1 HP = 745.7 Watt's

The electrical power is expressed in Watts 1W, Kilowatt (kW) which are 1,000 watt, megawatt
(MW) which are 1,000 KW and Gigawatt that are 1,000 MW.

Examples
1KW = 1000 W
1 MW = 1000000 W

or converting Watts in amperes, we have: amps = watts / volts

The apparatus measures the electrical power is Watt meter or multimeter (using calculations as
mentioned above).

Engines have their links and internal windings prepared to work with alternating or direct current,
as appropriate, there are so-called universal motors, because they work with AC or DC without
requiring adaptations.

Universal motors are used for example in electric mixers, vacuum cleaners, etc. In such engines,
with time of use, there is the carbon brushes wear and must be replaced.

All these calculations presented in practice are not exact, since they involve several variables,
serving only to establish operating parameters.

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05 - Alternators or mechanical generators of electricity

They are called mechanical generators of electric current, or dynamos, to devices that convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The dynamos are divided into two major groups:

1 - Dynamo with DC

It is one that provides direct current, ie, current flowing in one direction.

2 - Dynamo alternating current

Also called alternator - is one that provides alternating current, ie, current flowing in one direction
and another alternately

Both the AC dynamo as in direct current the difference between them is the way to harvest this
current out of the picture. This funding of current out of the frame is made by a device called
collector.

The. AC collector

Suppose that the frame is open in A and D, and are drawn two conductors AB and CD which are
then connected to two rings B and D. Leaning against these rings there are two pieces of coal
(which is conductive), men (Fig. 322). The external circuit R will be used where the chain is
attached to these pieces of coal. As the frame rotates in the magnetic field, the rings rotate together
with it. coals The men are fixed and the rings are scraping them. The current that is produced under
goes for the rings, for this coal and coal goes to the external circuit. It is easy to see that with this
device, when the electric current changes direction in the table also changes direction in the external
circuit, ie in the external circuit it is also captured as alternating.

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B. current collector continues

IInstead of two rings it consists of two half rings. Each half ring is attached to one end of the frame
by rotating along with the frame. The brush pieces are fixed, and are connected to the external
circuit. When the half rings rotate they are tight against the brushes (picture above).

We see that in each part-time a half ring is in contact with a different pickup brush.

The position of the brushes is adjusted in such a way that, as the current changes direction in the
frame, contact changes between the brushes and the half rings. Thus, outside the picture, the current
always goes in the same direction, that is, it is continuous.

DC and AC currents graphically demonstrated on page # 3

Modern automotive alternators are internally equipped with electronic controllers for energy-board
diodes / voltage regulator: Also called a voltage regulator, the function of the diodes plate is to
transform the alternating current into direct current in the alternator. Moreover diodes protect a
battery can discharge preventing battery current flow to the switch. The plate where the diodes are
mounted is made of aluminum to rapidly heat exchange because the diodes are not resistant to high
temperatures (130), so the board has heat dissipating function. The diodes are made of silicon or
germanium, and its characteristic is to allow current flow in only one direction.

These facts make it much more efficient alternator, even in vehicular use dominated the use of
direct current.

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06 - Starting motor

The starter is supplied with a positive cable directly from the battery and a negative attached to the
vehicle body, and is triggered when the vehicle driver turns the key completely, it is kept in
operation until they release the key. During operation, the solenoid (6) (auto) is powered with
positive, from the key, pulling the whole piston and yoke, which in turn slides the starting impeller
(2) to engage with the rack (toothed wheel on the steering wheel combustion engine) while the
solenoid closes the main circuit energizing the coil (4) and the armature (3) via the brush holder (5),
creating a magnetic field and thus the rotational movement. Bearings (1) are important and
precision parts,

Starter motors used in small vessels in general are the same engine version of vehicles, there is no
marinização applied to such engines.
Starting engines , are motors driven by DC and large capacity force, working in two stages that take
place simultaneously, the first being triggered by the solenoid (also called automatic), which makes
the mechanical connection starter also the main motor and the electrical connection of the starter
motor, as demonstrated below.

engine off

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motor connected

Operation

a) Test the battery voltage and check that the cables and terminals are clean, in good condition and
do not have bad contact.

b) If you hear a click when turning the key and the engine does not rotate, it means that the
magnetic key retreats and pushes the pinion correctly, making contact with the steering wheel.

c) pinion metal noises hitting the steering wheel mean that the second stage (electrical connection)
has been completed and the second stage (mechanical connection) is that it is not functioning, in
this case, the armature may be defective due to a lack of rotation or contact of the magnetic switch.

d) Wear the pinion teeth happen when the ignition is maintained long after the engine works. In this
case, it is necessary to replace the pinion and sometimes even the steering wheel, depending on the
damage.

e) natural wear of the brushes, which are in contact with the armature, is the most common fault.
Watch out when turning the ignition key and not hear noise in the pinion docking.

f) control relays in the fuse panel must also be checked.

g) The bearings of the starting electric motors are made with metal bushings that wear out with use
and excessive clearance can cause internal damage or motor.

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07 - Indicator (water temperature, voltmeter, ammeter, hour meter)

The most common meters in a vessel are:

Hour meter, Which is nothing more than an electric clock connected to the outboard so only work
with the motor because its purpose is to set the motor working time for maintenance purposes.

Voltmeter : Voltmeter is intended to measure the DDP supplied from the battery terminals, so the
battery are connected by a parallel connection.

Ammeter : The ammeter has the primary purpose of measuring the intensity of the current
generated by the alternator so that it is connected in series

water temperature meterBasically an electric operating thermometer, directly connected to a

device installed in the engine, which regulates the passage of electrons as the temperature therefore
has the positive connected directly to the clock and the negative lead connected to the sensor.

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08 - Tests - (continuity - battery)

Continuity in conductors .

Some tests are needed due to problems presented in installations, often malfunction due to
installation is caused by oxidation of the terminals, wire rust drivers and / or undue disruption of
wires, sometimes due to handling or accident.

The purpose of the continuity test is to test the ability of a driver to conduct electricity from one
point to another, for both deligamos system wire at both ends and test it by passing a current
through it, using for checking a lamp or multimeter and measuring the resistance presented in the
case of infinite resistance, we have a broken wire somewhere in the installation, if no considerable
resistance, the driver is integrate and the cause of the crash may be in another part of the
installation.

batteries:

Lead accumulator, also known as lead-acid battery is a battery association (called elements in the
battery industry parlance) connected in series

The voltage of each cell is about 2 volts. A battery cells, which is the most common in modern cars,
provides a voltage of 12V. even smaller associations are used in tractors, aircraft and fixed
installations, such as telephone switches and PBX equipment.

The lead-acid battery consists of two electrodes; a sponge lead and lead dioxide powder other, both
immersed in a sulfuric acid solution having density of about 1,28g / ml within a fabric lead-
antimony alloy. This alloy is more corrosion resistant than pure lead.

When the external circuit is closed, electrically connecting terminals, the battery starts operating
(discharge) occurring oxidation semi-reaction in the lead and lead dioxide reduction in

The accumulator is the anode lead while the lead dioxide is the cathode. The chemical reactions that
occur during discharge are:

Reaction in the negative part:

Pb (s) + HSO-
4 (aq) → PbSO4 (s) + H + (aq) + 2e-

Reaction on the bright side:

PbO2 (s) + HSO-
4 (aq) + 3 H + (aq) + 2e- → PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (l)

Total reaction:
Pb (s) + PbO2 (s) + 2H2SO4 (aq) → 2PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (l)

The reaction of producing the cathode and the anode lead sulfate (PbSO4), insoluble sticking to the
electrodes. When a battery is discharging, there is a consumption of sulfuric acid, thus decreasing
the density of the electrolyte (water and sulfuric acid).

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Thus by measuring the density of the electrolyte solution can know the magnitude of the
charge or discharge the accumulator (the density is related to the amount of sulfuric acid
present in the mixture).

Batteries have the advantage that they can be refilled. This is possible thanks to mobile ions that,
when they receive electrical power, reversing the chemical reaction discharge (no spontaneous
reaction), regenerating the reagents. When they are recharged, these batteries need to be monitored
because when reloaded, release dangerous gases such as hydrogen and oxygen, with water
electrolysis in the electrolyte. If it's too recharged, the device may explode.

To recharge the accumulator is passed direct current lead dioxide electrode to the lead resulting in
the reversal of reactions. In this process sulfuric acid is regenerated; so the percentage of sulfuric
acid indicates the degree of charge or discharge of the battery. When discharged, the battery has
lead sulfate electrolyte plates and diluted. When it is already loaded, has lead and lead oxide plates
immersed in aqueous sulfuric acid.

We can also test the battery charge quickly closing a short circuit between the poles in case of
a good load capacity and strong will have blue sparks in case of low load, we reddish and
weak sparks.

The life of a battery depends heavily on its use ,. due to constant loading and unloading, a battery
always maintained with full load will keep your internal cards in good condition for longer.

The lead-acid battery should be clean and dry to prevent loss of current nozzles and plugs must be
open to allow the output of gases generated during battery operation. The sulfuric acid is highly
corrosive.

When there is need to complete the battery fluid level, always use distilled water, filtered water has
the same chemical elements that accelerate corrosion of the plates and to disconnect the battery
whenever the first disconnect the negative cable

The terminals of the battery cables should be pressed, not soldiers. The welding stiffens the cables,
making them subject to breakage.

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09 - Wiring Diagrams - symbolism

All components used in an electrical circuit are represented in drawings, electrical plants, schematic
illustrations of symbols

Example diagram vehicle (motorcycle CB500 - 1998)

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10
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Spark plugs - CDI

Unlike spark plugs diesel engines whose purpose is only AR heating the purpose of sailing in
gasoline engines is to produce a short current impulse (spark) of high voltage inside the combustion
chamber, for this purpose the working voltages it vary around 12,000 to 15,000 Volts.

As the length of the spark plug they are classified as hot (short thread) or cold spark plugs (long
thread) can not be exchanged because the engine may cause internal damage.
They consist of central electrode, insulation and outer casing, the central electrode a metal shaft,
rarely a spark plugs really burning like a lamp but coal deposits occur on the inner insulating
portion and close short circuit, causing the spark plugs to stop producing spark.

The spark that causes the ignition, not only produces with the spark plugs, there must be a
mechanical and / or electronic system that controls the electricity for it to happen the spark at the
right time for the ignition of the fuel and cables to conduct electricity capable to withstand the high
voltage system.

The high voltage is obtained by transforming coil, which converts the system voltage (12V) in the
high voltage required for the spark.

The low voltage coil is converted in the electronics unit is controlled ignition (CDI) or older engines
the mechanical system – distributor.

11 - Correction - bridge rectifier / voltage regulator

The alternating electric current generated by the alternator to be "stored" by the battery and to
prevent to stop the alternator current return the battery to the windings of the alternator goes
through an electronic component whose function is to allow the passage of current only in a sense,
the rectifier DIODE, whose symbol is:

Modern alternators have in their interior a combination of diodes, so that any electrical current in
the system provided by the battery and the motor are direct current.

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12 - Facilities- yarn sizing; relays; terminal strip; Assembly ; panel; fuse; circuit breakers;

Sizing wires

As the power circulating in the system, we must scale the wiring and components so that there is
better performance and lower resistance to thereby obtain the lower power loss.

Electrical wires or cables are manufactured and classified by the gauge in accordance with
American standards (AWG) or metric standard (ABNT) and can be measured for the conference by
a special gauge for measuring wires

Several factors should be considered in wire gauge selection for transmission and distribution of
electric power.

The first factor is the loss of power allowed on the line. This loss is the electrical energy
transformed into heat. The use of higher strength and reduces the conductors. However, the greatest
conductors, in principle, are more expensive than smaller ones; they are heavier and require more
substantial holders.

A second factor is the voltage drop allowed on the line. If the source maintains a constant voltage to
the input lines, any variation in the load line will cause a variation in current.

A wide variation of I²R loss (Joule's law) in the line causes a poor voltage regulation at the load.
The obvious solution is to reduce the current or resistance. A reduction in charging current
decreases the output power of the power being transmitted, while a reduction in line resistance
increases the size and weight of necessary conductors.

It is usually reached an equilibrium point, whereby the load on the voltage variation remains within
tolerable limits, and the weight of the conductive line is not excessive.

A third factor is the driver's ability to conduct current. When current passes through the conductor
heat there. The temperature of the wire increases until the heat radiated or dissipated is equal to the
heat generated by current passing through the line. If the conductor is insulated, the heat generated
in the driver will not soon be removed. Thus, to protect the insulation from heat, the current through
the conductor must be kept below a certain value should not exceed 2%.
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When the electrical conductors find themselves installed in locations where the ambient temperature
is relatively high, the heat generated by external sources constitute an appreciable part of the total
heating conductor. Compensation for the influence of external heating on the allowable current in
the conductor must be done, and each case has its own specific limitations.

The maximum operating temperature allowed in the insulated conductors varies with the type of
insulator that is being used. There are tables that list the current security values for the various
gauges and types of conductive, coated with various types of insulation.

0.005 ohm resistance measurement of a mass point of the generator or battery to the mass of any
electrical component terminal, it is considered satisfactory.

Auxiliary relays:

The auxiliary relays are switching components of an electrical circuit. Through a low current signal
relay closes its contact high current allowing the passage of a working stream to a consumer.

A relay is an electrically operated switch and has the purpose of reducing the size of a high
intensity circuit (A)

The relay operates on the principle of electromagnetism being a widely used component in vehicle
electrical architecture.

The automotive relay has a coil, which is fed with positive and negative through two contacts,
usually called pins 85 and 86 of the relay.

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Terminal bar:

In sports and leisure boats there is no standardized procedure for wire identification, each
manufacturer develops its own system, usually documented or displayed on the operation panel of
the vessel itself. When some wires must be connected to ground or battery positive (source) to
facilitate the terminal strip used to avoid failures in the connection.

Assembly ; panel; fuse; circuit breakers;

In a vessel all equipment must be connected with protection due to the severe marine environment
of the working conditions, currently is used circuit breakers (eg. Mini circuit breakers 5SY5
(VCC)), special for direct current and can be done protection with automotive fuses , which
although less expensive, requires more work on the assembly and fault are more likely.

To prevent loss of current engine starting cables (high amperage) not have their own fuses, but are
always oversized and must be installed separately from other wires.

The wires must be gathered in groups (whip) as the direction, passed by conduits, preferably away
from the floor of the vessel to prevent contact with water.

Harnesses should be limited in number of wires per wire maximum rule 75 and must not be mixed
as the current type (AC or DC)

Amendments in groups of wires or harnesses should always be located in passages boxes, so that
they can be easily checked and all amendments isolated.

The simple wires or harnesses should not be installed with excessive slack. The looseness between
supports should not normally exceed a maximum deflection ½ inch with manual pressure must
install a support every 25 cm.

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A sufficient number of brackets must be installed to prevent undue vibration of the sections without
supports.

All wires and wire groups should be related and installed to protect them from:

1) chafing or rubbing.

2) High Temperature.

3) be used as handles or as support of personal belongings and equipment.

4) Damage by the movement of personnel inside the plane.

5) Damages for storage or handling of cargo.

6) Damage of vapors, spray or splashing battery acid.

7) Damage by solvents or fluids.

8) for mechanical protection of the whip, and facilitating the passage points of difficult access, use
non-metallic conduit with a diameter 25% greater than the whip

the grounding (-) in automobiles and aircraft is always done using the fuselage or body thereof, in
boats often made in FRP and / or wood, and even the metal, we must always have a return wiring
current to a nearby terminal strip the battery in order to avoid problems with electrolysis which can
cause oxidation on the electrical contacts.

electric load limits

When installing additional electrical equipment that consumes electrical power in a vessel, the total
electric charge must be safely controlled, or relocated within the limits of the components in the
affected feed system.

Before any electrical load is increased, the associated wires, cables and circuit protective devices
(fuses or circuit breakers) must be checked to determine if the new electric charge (previously
electric charge over the added load) does not exceed the limits of the wires existing cables or
protection devices.

The output values of the generator or alternator determined by the manufacturer must be compared
to the electrical charges that can be imposed on the generator or alternator affected by the installed
equipment.

When the comparison shows that the probable connected to full electrical load exceeds the output
load limits of generators or alternators, the load should be reduced so that there is overload. We
must make sure that the battery is being charged continuously except when small intermittent loads
are connected, such as a radio transmitter, bilge pump, applying battery charges at short intervals of
time.

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Installation for connection to pier Marine, lines themselves should possess at least to the main
distribution panel.

There is no standard connectors used Marine therefore ideal and have on board a number of
extensions to the adapter most commonly used terminals in order to avoid mishaps.

Ivan Pereira de Mendonça

capmendonsa@bol.com.br

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