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alligood
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/15/2003 :  09:28:48  Show Profile
I want to replace my original DC panel, and also place a new AC panel next to it, similar to the design on Snickerdoodle in the tech tips section. I like the other designs pictured in tech tips, but they seem a bit more involved and probably more than I need. A couple of questions for you electrically minded folks:

1) What brand/type of panels are recommended?
2) Is it better to keep the AC and DC systems completely separate, or use an inverter (?) to tie them together? (I don 't cruise, and would probably overnight only one night at a time) Keeping them separate seems easier, less of a headache, etc?

Finally, is there a favorite link/source for basic electrical info for sailboats similar to the Catalina 25 that anyone can recommend?

Thanks.

Jeff
2nd Wind
'81 sk standard rig
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timpky
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts
Response Posted - 08/15/2003 :  10:17:19  Show Profile
Regarding a source for information... There is an excellent book by Don Casey "Sailboat Electrics Simplified". It is very understandable and covers most things regarding electrical systems on a sailboat. It is available at many large book stores and also West Marine.

Tim Peoples
Sarasota, FL
78 Catalina 25 SK Hull #875
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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts
Response Posted - 08/15/2003 :  10:57:11  Show Profile
I'll second the recommendation on Don Casey's book. I buy my books at Amazon.com. You ususally get 30% off list, no sales tax, and if you buy about 25 bucks worth of books, which isn't hard to do, you get free shipping. I also recommend Nigel Calder's Boatowners mechanical and electrical manual. Also get the West Marine catalog, in it they have lots of good articles on electrical work. Very helpful, but their prices are outrageous.
You also want to get a digital meter. Casey's book will teach you how to use it.
Good luck

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR
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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts
Response Posted - 08/15/2003 :  13:50:04  Show Profile
Tim and Frank's reference sources are very good ones.

An inverter doesn't "tie them together." An inverter only takes 12 volts and converts it back to 120 volts.

AC and DC have to be separate, but there are panels that have the AC breakers and DC breakers both pre-installled, but of course you have to separate the AC and DC wiring. The newer DC wiring has red for positive and new yellow for negative to avoid mistaking the old DC negative black wire from the hot AC black wiring.

Good luck,

Stu
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joe keith
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts
Response Posted - 08/15/2003 :  21:01:53  Show Profile
Be carefull about adding an inverter if you have shore AC power. Unless the inverter is designed for it you do not want to connect the shore AC to the inverter AC. It is best to use a transfer switch.
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alligood
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts
Response Posted - 08/15/2003 :  21:34:20  Show Profile
Thanks for the input. As usual, the advice is sound and patient, regardless of how dumb the questions are.

Thanks!

Jeff
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.