the “earth” and the water can be modeled
as a large ground. In the event of an electrical fault on a boat, any conductive
component like a prop shaft, a fitting or
even a whole metal hull, can become part
of the circuit as the electricity searches for
a route to ground through the water
around the boat. When someone enters
An Isolation Transformer will electrically
isolate the AC shore power from the boat's
AC power system. There is no direct electrical connection between earth-grounded
shore AC power and the onboard electrical
system, greatly reducing the risk of shock
as well as electrolysis; the slow but sure
corrosion of the metal components.
the water near a faulty boat, they too
become part of the electrical circuit and
can experience electrocution.
In other words, electrical current will
form an electrical “pool” around the boat.
If a person dives into the electrical pool in
the water, they can become the “ground”
even without grabbing a metal dock post
or another conductive structure.
While investigating this story, we
learned that it doesn’t take much current
to have an effect. We obtained a chart of
Ground Fault Effects. At 1 milliamp (ma)
a person will feel a tingling sensation. At
only 15 ma he or she can experience
paralysis and drown. At 60 ma, heart fail-
ure is imminent.
See at the Toronto International Boat Show January 8 - 16, 2011
Same boat with two different interiors
- Classic DELPHIA 40.2
- Modern DELPHIA 40. 3
North Lakes Yachting introducing Gemini 105 with
new "Touch Design Interior" - the only catamaran
that fits Ontario marinas.
DELPHIA 40. 3
Best Value Best Quality Best Performance
