Cable Sizing for Lithium Batteries on a Sailboat
When wiring your marine electrical system together, careful consideration should be given to proper cable sizing. Not all cables are created equal, and it is absolutely essential that the cables wiring your batteries to various loads are sized properly. Improper cable sizing can create dangerous operating conditions and limit the…
Series vs. Parallel Connections in a Marine Power System
Before installing your marine battery bank, itโs important to determine whether you want to wire your batteries together in series or in parallel. The voltage and battery capacity your system requires will dictate which wiring is best for your system. Understanding the difference between series and parallel wiring will help…
DIY vs. Professional Battery Installation for Your Marine Power System
Although some mariners may be anxious to install their own power systems, others prefer to leave it in the hands of the professionals. Regardless of which route you choose, there are a few key things to consider before installing your marine power system. Following these simple guidelines will help ensure…
Performing an Energy Audit to Size Your Lithium Power System on a Sailboat
Ready to build out your new electrical system but donโt know where to start? An energy audit of your sailboat will give you a clear picture of just how much energy you anticipate using. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the size of your battery bank…
The Importance of Battery Monitoring on a Sailboat
While spending the day out on the water, the last thing you want to do is attempt to estimate the state of charge of your batteries. For extended peace of mind and ease of use, battery monitors will measure the amount of energy going into and out of your batteries…
The Power Equation in a Sailboat or Other Marine Application
From initially sizing your marine electrical system to determining the draws of specific appliances, understanding the underlying power equation is key to having a properly built system. An undersized system can quickly leave you stranded on the water without ample power to get you through your day. Once you understand…
Converting Amp Hours to Kilowatt Hours in a Marine Power System
With various measurements that represent the power within marine electrical systems, itโs easy to get confused when different units are used. Since batteries are represented by amp hours and certain electronics and other components use kilowatt hours, its essential to understand how to convert between the two.ย ย How to Convert…
Alternator Charging 101 for Marine Applications
Alternator charging is a quick and efficient way to recharge your house batteries, no matter where you are. Without having to rely on shore charging or solar power, alternator charging can provide peace of mind regardless of conditions or time on the water. While alternator charging offers power on the…
How Do You Charge Lithium-Ion Batteries on a Marine Vessel?
After youโve determined which batteries you would like to install in your marine electrical system, the next step is to decide how you would like to recharge them. This depends on the frequency that you use your boat and how long you spend on the water. You can use shore…