Electric Shock Drowning Prevention and ELCIs Explained

[Bigsfish]

Scott

Thanks, we will be there and you better be or we will get the GC to find you in the Keys and deliver you to Ft Pierce. ��

[psneeld]

[Benthic2]

The world is not binary.

Every discipine has a continuum of difficulty, and every individual has a continuum of skills, and a conitnuum of learning ability.

Where each one of us draws the line on what we choose to do, and what we choose to delegate is going to be different for every person, every skill, and every situation.

[psneeld]

Absolutely not binary....

I choose to be able to expand my skills beyond a few....as long as I understand my limitations and potential dangers, I choose to not limit my potential.

Once past any oncerns, it is my choice to proceed with the project or hire it out, it doest have to be one or the other..

And no one on TF should assume their continuum is similar to anyone elses...especially based on a question or two.

[Art]

Originally Posted by psneeld

Sorry Irv, but I am here to help, not be a yellow pages guy unless we are all stumped.

That sounds so old school.

[Seevee]

paneled has a good view on this subject.... just know your limitations. And I could argue to get to know something about most everything on your boat. You need to be somewhat educated to make decisions as to who and what makes a good repair or mod.

Many of us have licenses/certification to do things and the license is required by law, like a doctor, lawyer, real estate/boat/insurance broker, etc. However, the license is NOT required if you do these things for yourself.

Perhaps you'll not do your own heard transplant, but you will bandage your wound, treat your cold, etc, and you perhaps will do some of your own legal work, buy and sell your own boats, houses, etc.

And, what if the professional that we hire got a D in that class and is not that good? We need to know enough to figure that out.

As for a marine electrician, I don't believe any certification is required, at least in FL, unlike his counterpart that works on your house. (but I'll stand corrected, if wrong).

I'm totally convinced that most anyone can get the skills that would be equal to that of a certified/licensed pHd in marine electronics, but that will take a lot of time and learning. But he could get enough info just by reading a bit or taking a course or two to be able to have a pretty good idea on what things to watch that would be a safety issue.

[Art]

One item I didn't notice mentioned: Severe color blindness. A hamper for sure in performing electrical work.

[Steve DAntonio]

Originally Posted by Seevee

As for a marine electrician, I don't believe any certification is required, at least in FL, unlike his counterpart that works on your house. (but I'll stand corrected, if wrong).

You are correct, regrettably, and as incredible as it sounds, anyone can hang out a "marine electrician" shingle, which is why I frequently recommend, if you feel the need to call on a pro, make certain he or she is an ABYC Certified Marine Electrician. The electrical errors I encounter, made by both both DIYers as well as professionals, are nothing short of chilling. The former I expect, the latter are unconscionable.

I know there are ABYC naysayers among the membership, and I freely admit I have my share of issues with the organization, however the value of the Standards, especially those covering electrical systems, are undeniable. There are differences, some subtle and some significant, between residential/commercial and marine electrical systems that, if not well-understood, can lead to fire or electrocution. The most notable among these being the neutral to ground connection requirements.

One of the best, and most easily understood books on the subject is Charlie Wing's "Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook" 2nd ed. It's written in plain language with very good diagrams. I used this as a primary textbook to train marine electrician's apprentices.

Among other things, ABYC - American Boat Yacht Council - American Boat and Yacht Council is a resource for finding, and verifying those who claim to be ABYC certified technicians.