I'm planning to overhaul the electrical system. It has become a bit
messy because of all the additions, and also unreliable. I had a major
malfunction last season when the connection to mass broke off. The
alternator had been used as mass in stead of a direct connection to
the service battery: probably not the best way to do it.
I've done some reading about it ("Electrics Afloat" by Alastair Garrod
is a gem!), but some questions remain.
1. I would like to protect the wiring from the alternator with a fuse.
I know not everybody thinks this is necessary, but if there is a short
circuit I would rather lose the alternator than start a fire. What is
the maximum output of the alternator? I have the original Volvo Penta
MD6A. According to the Vega handbook it has a maximum output of 490 W,
that means 41 A. Is a 50 or 60 A fuse and 16 mm2 wiring adequate?
2. I also plan to renew the starter solenoid. The solenoid switch is
not on the Dynastart, but on the electrical board below the bridge
deck. I don't know if this is the original situation. The starter
battery is charged by the alternator, not the Dynastart. Another
solenoid switch, apparently of the same type, is used as an automatic
battery switch and this failed last season. What specifications are
required for a solenoid switch for the Dynastart?
3. Any other useful tips & tricks, documents, links, etc.??
Thank you!
Jan Muller
"Mi Dushi"
Albin Vega #1783
Noordschans, The Netherlands
messy because of all the additions, and also unreliable. I had a major
malfunction last season when the connection to mass broke off. The
alternator had been used as mass in stead of a direct connection to
the service battery: probably not the best way to do it.
I've done some reading about it ("Electrics Afloat" by Alastair Garrod
is a gem!), but some questions remain.
1. I would like to protect the wiring from the alternator with a fuse.
I know not everybody thinks this is necessary, but if there is a short
circuit I would rather lose the alternator than start a fire. What is
the maximum output of the alternator? I have the original Volvo Penta
MD6A. According to the Vega handbook it has a maximum output of 490 W,
that means 41 A. Is a 50 or 60 A fuse and 16 mm2 wiring adequate?
2. I also plan to renew the starter solenoid. The solenoid switch is
not on the Dynastart, but on the electrical board below the bridge
deck. I don't know if this is the original situation. The starter
battery is charged by the alternator, not the Dynastart. Another
solenoid switch, apparently of the same type, is used as an automatic
battery switch and this failed last season. What specifications are
required for a solenoid switch for the Dynastart?
3. Any other useful tips & tricks, documents, links, etc.??
Thank you!
Jan Muller
"Mi Dushi"
Albin Vega #1783
Noordschans, The Netherlands