The Beneteau I'm looking at was recently in the boatyard and was in the vicinity of a lightning strike. There was no visual indication of a strike however most all of the electronics needed to be replaced. Is it possible to perform some sort of circuit breaker loading test to confirm the circuit protection system is fine or identify the likely culprit. Is this something a marine electrician can do?
Electrical Circuit Protection System Checkout
- Thread starter Captain Ag
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Sorry to hear about the lightning.
CB load test - have you already turned each circuit on and off to find out if they work? The CBs are sized to protect the wiring, not the device. That's why so many of the panel CBs are the same size while each device may be different. Is there something you think any additional "load" test would tell you?
Not being an electrician, I'm not sure how simple or complex some sort of circuit test should be. If it's just a matter of performing a manual set and reset of each CB, I can obviously do that. I feel like it would be good to know what allowed the power surge into the electronics. With home surge protectors, it's about the clamping voltage/speed and the ability stop the quick on rush of current. Is the boat more vulnerable out of the water?
Most discussions of lightning include the tremendous voltages that it can impart. That's what does the damage to the electronics. Seems you have two basic choices: become knowledgeable about boat electrical systems (although specialization in lightning is an unusual "craft" !
), or hire an electrician you trust or who comes highly recommended and have them go over the boat.
The short answer, if it was my boat, is that I'd check every device, every wire and every connection. Don't forget the batteries.
It sounds like you have some misgivings about the integrity of your system, even after the repairs have been done. What makes you think that something is still wrong (just playin' devil's advocate here).
), or hire an electrician you trust or who comes highly recommended and have them go over the boat.The short answer, if it was my boat, is that I'd check every device, every wire and every connection. Don't forget the batteries.
It sounds like you have some misgivings about the integrity of your system, even after the repairs have been done. What makes you think that something is still wrong (just playin' devil's advocate here).
All I know is there was an "unexplained anomaly" that resulted in many of the electronics having to be replaced. I will contact the marine service company that replaced the electronics and see if they any additional background information or can perform an assessment. I suspect that will take care of my concerns.
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