Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code 8 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION 8.1 The electrical installation is to be such as to minimise the risk of fire and electrical shock. Tanks, machinery or other metallic objects, which do not have good electrical continuity with the water surrounding the vessel, should have special earthing arrangements to reduce such risks. Cables should meet a recognised small craft standard suitable for the intended use. BS/EN/ISO 10133 Electrical systems –Extra-low-voltage d.c. installations and BS/EN/ISO 13297 Electrical systems – Alternating current installations give details. 8.2 Reference should also be made to the latest BMEA Code of Practice for electrical installations 8.3 As far as practicable, electrical equipment should not be installed in a space where petroleum vapour or other hydrocarbon gas is likely to accumulate. Where equipment is installed in such a space it should comply with a recognised standard for prevention of ignition of a flammable atmosphere. Refer to BS/EN28846 (ISO 8846) (Amendment 1) Electrical devices – Protection against ignition of surrounding flammable gas. 8.4 Where lighting within a vessel is provided by a centralized electrical system, an alternative source of lighting (which may include suitable torches if practical) should be provided, sufficient to: 1. enable people to make their way to the open deck 8.5 Batteries 8.5.1 Batteries should be firmly secured in position. 8.5.2 Where the maximum charging power output exceeds 0.2 kW the batteries should be located in a well-ventilated space. Where the charging capacity exceeds 2.0 kW it should be located in a well-ventilated, dedicated compartment within the vessel or on the open deck. 8.5.3 Where there is environmentally-friendly technology used – e.g. in solar powered vessels – these should comply with current industry best practice and currently recognised safety standards. Where vessels use natural ventilation of battery spaces, and there is a proven record of safe operation, a risk assessment should confirm that there is little risk to life. 8.5.4 Attention should be paid to any battery-operated safety critical equipment to ensure continuous operation in the event of an emergency – e.g. a spare battery and charging facilities where necessary. Safety critical equipment includes, but is not necessarily limited to, communications and navigation lights. 8.5.5 Batteries used to power an emergency outboard motor can be charged ashore when no charging facility is provided onboard. |