With a number of crew and guests operating the electrical panel switches, I have always been concerned that a particular switch is always on or always off. For example, I have never wanted to use the 110 volt water heater, as I believe it adds lime scale to the water system (not sure if that is true or not). But, I wrapped a small wire around the switch in the OFF position and then looped the wire around the screw that holds the switch in place.
Similarly, I would like to make sure the bilge pump switch is always in the ON position (not the manual operating switch, just power to the automatic float switch in the bilge). However, I don't think I should wire that switch in the ON position as if there was an electrical problem, the circuit breaker may not be able to trip off correctly.
Any suggestions in how to safely insure that an electrical panes switch is always ON?
Ken Enstrom
2004 C-36 MKII #2199
Tall Rig, Wing Keel, M-35B
S/V Valkyrie - Sail Great Lakes
It is possible to install a buzzer to the circuit such that when it is in the nonpreferred position it will sound.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
I am not on my boat now to confirm. However, I believe the bilge pump is either "Manual" or "Auto" position. But again I am not on my boat to confirm.
Cheers!
Rob Kibler
s/v "Meander"
2003 C36 MKII #2124
On Whimsea, we have installed a "hot" fuse panel to keep things powered on that should stay powered on, even when the main breaker if off. Our examples are the bilge pump float switch, radio memory, Victron battery monitor, and the solar controller. We ran a 10 gauge supply wire directly from the battery to an automotive ATC fuse block attached to the cabin siding behind breaker panel, sheathing the entire run to comply with ABYC standards.
For circuits that you want to disable, remove the terminal from circuit breaker, insulate the terminal with heat shrink, tag, and then coil and tie away from the panel.
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor