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AVOIDING ELECTRICAL SURPRISES

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Mar 03, 2020

This Spring avoid electrical issues by checking for problems now

Check Shore-Power Cords, Plugs, And Receptacles

Most AC electrical fires occur when these overheat, so inspect them often. Loose or corroded connections generate heat and the potential for fire, a problem especially prevalent among vessels that continually run high-energy loads, such as air-conditioning, water heaters, and the like. Plugging and unplugging connectors while energized contributes to the problem. The micro-arcs and sparks generated each time you do so create tiny pits on surface connections, which in turn lead to resistance and heat buildup.

Burned boat

Continually Check For Corrosion And Get Rid Of It

Routine maintenance not only prolongs the service life of your equipment but can also keep you out of trouble. The corrosion on this battery post was so gnarly that it prevented the battery from charging, which kept the engine from starting and required the owner to call for a tow. He was (luckily) able to do this from his cellphone, because the dead battery also made his VHF radio useless.