DC Main Overcurrent Protection Requirements

December, 30 2003

ABYC standard E11.12.1.1.1 states that each ungrounded conductor connected to a battery charger, alternator, or other charging source, shall be provided with overcurrent protection within a distance of seven inches (175mm) of the point of connection to the DC electrical system or to the battery.

The exceptions to this are:

  • When the conductor is enclosed in a sheath or enclosure such as conduit in addition to its insulation the 7" dimensions can be increased to 40".
  • If the conductor is connected directly to the battery terminal and is enclosed in a sheath or enclosure such as conduit in addition to its insulation the 7" dimension can be increased to 72".
  • The conductor connects to the starter for the engine.

Figure 1 below shows the location of the circuit protection devices per ABYC standard E11.12.1.1.1

Figure 1

Any devices connected directly to the battery such as bow thrusters and windlasses are required to have a circuit protection device installed per the same guidelines above.

NoticeYou have cookies disabled. — Bluesea.com requires cookies to provide you full functionality. Many features of the site will not function until cookies are enabled. — Read Privacy Policy
NoticeYou are using an outdated browser. — Bluesea.com can not guarantee 100% compatability with your browser — Upgrade your browser