Canal boat circuit diagrams / reading

[groggy]

Hi All,

 

I'm a new to this forum and to boating. We have inherited a narrow boat and are trying to make a few changes to the electrical system. I work as a production electrician for Theatre (no qualifications.) so knowledge is above a complete novice but still fairly basic when it comes to boats. I'm looking for as much advice information before I delve into rewiring some of the electrics on my boat.

 

So the idea is to change all the 12v florescent lights for leds.(better light quality and efficiency.)

Add two solar panels (Already bought) with the option for more to hopefully keep the leisure battery bank charged (2x 110ah) when moored.

Add a split charge relay for when cruising - Will i be able to charge from solar cells as well as from alternator?

Add a small inverter and 240v circuit for laptop and phone charging.

Add a something like a smartgauge to monitor what is happening.

Generally tidy and label all the existing wiring as its all a bit of a mess.

 

Any Suggestions photo blogs / reading / circuit diagrams. Very very welcome.

 

cheers

[BargeeSpud]

What you need is a Gibbo.

[Robbo]

Recommended reading...

 

Energy Unlimited

 

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual

 

First link is free downloadable book, 2nd one you can read the first chapter for free via Amazon.

[Gibbo]

http://smartgauge.co.uk/technical1.html

[BargeeSpud]

This is a useful link too:

 

http://www.jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/

[Tiggs]

Also it is essential that you look at the electrical section of the boat safety scheme and I would also suggest you observe the regulations for new boats too.

 

http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/268789/ecp-private-boats-ed3_rev2_apr2015_public_final.pdf

 

http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe/electrical-safety/

Edited September 20, 2016 by Tiggs

[WotEver]

I'll take a guess that three years on and having never posted a second time that OP isn't watching this thread

[PaulG]

I'll take a guess that three years on and having never posted a second time that OP isn't watching this thread

Or his smoke-blackened body is dangling from the lighting gantry of some theatre somewhere...