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FAQ

  • My switch panel is flashing what should I do?
    In most cases this means it's a low voltage alarm. Inside the Main panel there's a small micro switch with two switches. Flip the lower one the opposite direction and this should fix your issue.
  • What size wire do I choose?
    When it comes to boat applications, selecting the right wire size is crucial for maintaining safety, preventing electrical issues, and maximizing efficiency. Proper wiring is essential to power various components on a boat, including lights, navigation systems, pumps, and electronic devices. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right wire size for your boat. 1. Understanding Wire Gauge: Wire gauge refers to the size or thickness of the wire. It is measured by a numerical value, with smaller numbers indicating thicker wires. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is commonly used to categorize wire sizes. For boat applications, wire gauges typically range from 18 to 8 AWG, with smaller numbers representing thicker wires. 2. Determine the Total Electrical Load: Before selecting the wire size, you need to calculate the total electrical load that will be running through the wire. This includes all the devices and components that will draw power from the wire. Add up the current requirements (measured in amps) of each device to determine the total load. It's important to account for potential future additions or upgrades to ensure your wiring can handle increased demands. 3. Consider Voltage Drop: Voltage drop is a reduction in electrical voltage that occurs as current flows through a wire. Excessive voltage drop can lead to poor performance, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to electrical devices. To minimize voltage drop, it is essential to choose the appropriate wire size. The longer the wire run or the higher the current, the more significant the voltage drop will be. Consult a voltage drop chart or use online calculators to determine the acceptable voltage drop for your specific application. 4. Wire Size and Ampacity: Ampacity refers to the maximum current-carrying capacity of a wire. Each wire gauge has a specific ampacity rating, indicating the maximum current it can safely handle without overheating. It's crucial to select a wire size with an ampacity rating that exceeds the total electrical load. This ensures that the wire will not become overheated, reducing the risk of electrical fires or equipment damage. 5. Marine-Grade Wiring: When choosing wire for boat applications, it is essential to opt for marine-grade wiring. Marine-grade wiring is specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, including exposure to moisture, saltwater, and vibrations. Marine-grade wires are typically constructed with extra insulation, corrosion-resistant materials, and protective coatings to ensure longevity and safety on the water. 6. Proper Installation Techniques: Even with the correct wire size, improper installation can compromise safety and performance. Ensure that wires are properly routed, secured, and protected from potential damage. Use appropriate connectors, terminals, and junction boxes to make secure and reliable connections. Additionally, follow any manufacturer guidelines or regulations specific to your boat's electrical system. In conclusion, choosing the right wire size in boat applications is vital for ensuring safety, preventing electrical issues, and maximizing efficiency. Understanding wire gauge, calculating the total electrical load, considering voltage drop, selecting the appropriate wire size based on ampacity, using marine-grade wiring, and employing proper installation techniques are all critical factors to consider. By taking the time to select the right wire size and following proper installation practices, you can ensure a reliable and safe electrical system on your boat.
  • What size wire is required for installation of light bar housings?
    We recommend a minimum of 12/2 Marine grade tinned wire. In some applications where it might require longer than typical wires 10/2 wire may be required.
  • What color lights work best for interior lights?
    The science behind how certain colors of light can affect your vision at nighttime is related to the specific photoreceptor cells in the human eye and their sensitivity to different wavelengths of light. In the human eye, there are two main types of photoreceptor cells responsible for vision: rods and cones. Rods are highly sensitive to light but are not color-specific, while cones are responsible for color vision but are less sensitive to low levels of light. At nighttime, when the lighting conditions are dim, the rods become the primary photoreceptor cells involved in vision. Rods are most sensitive to blue-green light, also known as short-wavelength light. This is why objects at night often appear more bluish or greenish. However, exposure to certain colors of light, particularly shorter wavelength light such as blue and green, can negatively impact nighttime vision. This effect is due to a process called the Purkinje effect. The Purkinje effect is the phenomenon where the sensitivity of the human eye shifts towards shorter wavelengths at low light levels. As a result, blue and green lights appear brighter and more intense than longer wavelength lights such as red or orange. When exposed to blue or green light at night, the increased brightness and intensity can cause glare and reduce the eye's ability to adapt to low-light conditions. It can lead to a temporary decrease in visual acuity and make it harder to see in the dark. This is particularly relevant when using electronic devices with blue-light emitting screens or encountering bright blue or green LED lights at night. To mitigate the negative effects of blue and green light at night, various strategies can be employed. One common approach is to use "warm" or "amber" light sources with longer wavelengths, as these colors are less disruptive to nighttime vision. Additionally, blue-light filtering glasses or screen filters can be used to reduce the amount of short-wavelength light reaching the eyes. Overall, understanding the science behind how certain colors of light affect nighttime vision can help in making informed choices regarding lighting conditions and light exposure to optimize visual comfort and performance in low-light environments.
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