The 12-Volt Bible for Boats

Acknowledgments

Introduction to the Second Edition, by Ed Sherman

Introduction to the First Edition

Chapter 1. BASIC THEORY OF ELECTRICITY: A Primer

A Few Words of Caution

The Atom and Its Electrons

The Atom; Electrons; Molecules and Bonding; Ions and Electrons

Terms Defined

Coulomb's Law; Charge; Current; Voltage, Potential Difference, and EMF; Energy; Power; Amp-Hours; Resistance

Electricity Is Not Water, But . . .

Ohm's Law

IR Drops and I2R Heat

Chapter 2. ELECTRIC CIRCUITS: Parts of the System

Circuit Components

Series Circuits

Parallel Circuits

Chapter 3. 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; Determining Specific Gravity on Sealed Batteries

Load Testing Batteries

Storage Battery Construction

Differentiating among Batteries

Anatomy of a Battery; Six-Volt Batteries; Newer Battery Types

Battery Banks

Selecting a Battery

Battery Maintenance and Tools

Chapter 4. THE WIRING: Electrical Veins and Arteries

Proper Size

Resistivity; Wire Length; Thickness

Insulation

Identification Codes

Terminals

Installation

A Lesson in Soldering

Chapter 5. THE CONTROLS: Brains of the System

The Control Panel

Where to Put It?; Replacement Alternatives

Switches

Master Switch

Fuses

Circuit Breakers

Relays

Panel Meters

Chapter 6. TRANSDUCERS: Things That Do the Work

What Do You Need?

Lights

Navigation Lights; Interior Lights; Exterior Lights

Motors

Motor Maintenance; Starter Motors; Refrigerator Motors; Bilge Pumps

Electronics

Installation; Power Consumption; Interference

Chapter 7. RECHARGING THE BATTERY

Multiple Battery Isolators

Alternators and Generators

The Regulator

Making Adjustments; Checking Charging Voltage; Regulator Settings; Recharge Rates

AC Shore Power and Solid-State Chargers

Proper AC Converter/Chargers; Danger: Shock and Galvanic Corrosion; Maintaining Proper Polarity

Solar Cells

Wind Chargers

Water Chargers

DC-to-AC Inverters

Chapter 8. TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM

Troubleshooting Principles

Troubleshooting Instrument: The Multifunction Meter

Reading Ohms; Reading DC Volts; Reading AC Volts; Reading DC Amps

Troubleshooting Instrument: Test Lights

A Continuity Tester; Make Your Own; Buying or Making Test Lights

Locating Faults

Light Won'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

PARTING WORD: SOME THOUGHTS ON MAINTENANCE

Your Boat's Electrical Toolbox

Spare Parts and Junk

RESOURCES

Contact Information

Installation Records

INDEX