Electrical
Electrical panels, terminals, switches, battery systems, chargers, fuses, shore power – all need to be designed specifically for marine applications to keep you and your passenger safe and to make sure your boat is around for many years to enjoy. You don’t want to use non-marine products such as wiring and even air conditioners, extension cords, speaker wires or battery chargers because they are not insulated and grounded for a marine electrical application. Quality marine grade electrical products are available to our First Choice Marine customers to make your next electrical project less stressful and safer too.
That is why we offer top-quality, marine-approved products to keep you boating, even in extreme conditions. Should you not find what you need here or you have a custom application need, we will be happy to source it for you.
An Ammeter teams up with your alternator to let you know the charge the alternator is getting while showing alternator, voltage and belt info for your marine system. A Voltmeter, on the other hand will show how many volts are in your boat’s battery. So choice is going to be determined by function.
Whether you need a battery for a piece of essential electronic equipment, ATV, Motorcycle or your Boat you will find them here.
For your marine application - power usage is going to determine your need. How often it is used, what it is used for –specific information for your boat. There are several types of marine batteries including your typical flooded lead-acid batteries (the least expensive and shorter life cycle as would be expected), Gel batteries (spillproof, resistant to over-discharges and generally maintenance free) and AGM batteries (sealed, the superior version of a lead-acid battery, faster charging).
Battery accessories can be an extensive shopping list and we believe in filling your list with exactly what you need. We have terminal covers, sockets (and caps), switches, gator clips and many others.
Battery boxes in vented and non-vented and battery trays for your needs in a variety of battery series sizes ranging from small to large are available. The brands we carry provide quality to insure not only support and protection for the battery, but to contain acid or water spills. For safety there are battery tie-down straps for further stability.
When setting up a single engine boat with dual batteries an isolator will automatically provide consistent service for both batteries from your engine. No more manual switching.
The first consideration in choosing a breaker panel for your boat’s electrical systems’ protection is finding a brand that meets ABYC standards and your needs. Our selection of high standard brands and selection of breaker panels meets or exceeds those considerations.
These marine breaker panels include features such as voltmeters, label backlighting, LED indicators and waterproof/splashproof and/or vapor proof for a variety of applications including for engine room, battery compartment, generators, shore power, inverters and other power sources.
It might be interesting to note that the first Breathalyzer for testing alcohol levels was invented in 1954. The first instrument for testing was called The Drunkometer, but calibration was an issue as it was moved about so the new Breathalyzer’s portability was a big improvement. The breathalyzer estimates blood alcohol content from a breath sample taken and can not determine exact levels without a blood test. Although Breathalyzer has become a term that came from the first brand by that name they are sold under many other names.
When you need to distribute electricity from one are to multiple areas and require a bus bar be sure you are getting a reliable brand bus for your electrical needs for your peace of mind.
The grouping of ground wires will provide you with the ease of tracing wires and troubleshooting when there is need. Best considerations – quality studs, insulating cover, recessed mounting holes, heat resistant material.
Every boater has a need for quality, functional and sharp looking cabin and courtesy lights for their vessel. New innovations in LED low amp draw lights have seen interesting applications including a variety of shapes, color and function.
Marine lighting options include directed hooded companion way and interior lights; strip, dome, step and reading lights; and utility lights are available with on/off switches, color, LED or incandescent, water resistant and waterproof, surface, recessed and flush mount and size options.
Boost your signal and enjoy fewer dropped calls and improved reception with digital repeaters for your marine and RV applications with quality units.
Once you have a charger in place for your particular needs you will also be needing accessories along the way. Relays, receptacles, isolators, battery tenders and sockets are available to complete your system.
Performance and value are essential considerations in choosing a charger for your need and there are a variety of dependable brands to choose from in today’s market.
Once you’ve compared brands and have decided on the right one for your needs and wallet, then you have to find the match for your application and needs including amperage, banks and voltage. You also have to make sure you are getting the correct charger for the type of battery you are using in your application.
Safety is also a consideration and includes ignition protection, over temperature and over voltage as well as reverse polarity protection.
Single outlet, dual outlet sockets, corresponding plugs for accessories and cigarette lighters are featured. All are from quality manufacturers who use the best in marine grade materials. Some feature installation plates or mounting brackets are available.
Protection and control of your boat circuitry is achieved with top quality circuit breakers. Top grade materials and production keep your electrical system in top shape.
Your electrical needs may include a variety of electrical components. Essential components are available including indicators, connectors, boots, insulators and shunts.
These aren’t just flashlights, these are flashlights with bells and whistles and ones that sing and dance. Take a look and you will find the latest in LED, rechargeable and crank models. Many are available in submersible or waterproof versions too. Some float, some can hook on with their carabineer style and come in a variety of materials. There are headlights, strobe and flashlight combos, penlights and lantern style flashlights. Whether camping, boating or tackling any outdoor event or sport there are flashlights today that keep you safe and secure.
Flood Lights and Spotlights, like Flashlights have come a long way. Today’s units feature wireless remotes, a variety of mounts and come in portable and cordless varieties also. Most are LED and many are rechargeable. You will find water resistant, waterproof and some underwater versions.
Fuel flow meters have become, for some boat owners, an essential gauge. With the ability to calculate fuel used and remaining fuel available it uses sensors in the fuel line to make these determinations. In addition they can avoid overflow issues, alert you to engine issues based on consumption trends and determine the best equipment settings to optimize fuel usage.
Whether you are looking for fuses (ANL, ATO/ATC, Class T), inline fuses and fuse holders (some including a spare fuse) or fuse blocks or panels you will find everything for your marine electrical needs in this category of products. Many of the inline fuse holders are water resistant or waterproof and some come with dual fuses in a variety of amperage selections.
Although most may think that only larger boats may need a marine generator for additional electrical power, however they are well sought after by many boat owners seeking a backup to engine shut down or when there is no source of shore power. The use of the generator can save battery power usage and fuel at the same time. The difference for smaller boats and that of larger boats is dependent on power needs. Most generators will be rated in kw (kilowatts). A generator, unlike a power inverter, works independent of your boat battery providing you with constant AC electricity flow.
Not only is a horn a safety requirement, but you don’t want to cut corners on these kinds of items. Available in single or dual, in trumpet or hidden configurations and in a variety of materials designed to resist the weather conditions of a marine environment, you will find something for your exact need and a reliable product for keeping you and your passengers safe on your boat.
You might find hailer synonymous with megaphone or bullhorn, but regardless they are devices designed to amplify your voice toward a specific direction. Today’s hailers for boat owners can be much more than this definition providing additional communication options and specific automatic international hailer warning signals.
When you need 120V AC power for your boat you can depend on several sources including shorepower, a generator or from an inverter. Obviously shorepower has its limitations whereas an inverter can provide away from shore power to a variety of personal appliances, power tools and cell phones. An inverter takes your boat 12V DC power from your battery onboard and changes it to the 120V AC you require for your applications. Analyzing your power needs is imperative when choosing the type of inverter you need for your boat. Knowing the maximum 120V AC you will use at any given time is key.
Inverters aren’t just for marine applications. There are a wide variety of inverters used for many 120V AC power needs.
Lighting on your boat is one of the biggest safety concerns and requirements. All-round lights; bow and sidelights; stern and transom lights; mashhead; and docking lights are essential to any vessel. In addition, underwater lighting for your boat has become a must have for many boat and yacht owners. You may also need a variety of bases, mounts, replacement bulbs and lens covers and other accessories to keep these lights running in the best of condition. For smaller boats there are new lines of battery operated attachable lights in bi-color and white that clamp or suction cup onto your vessel.
Cordless and submersible phones are designed for mobility to connect when out by your pool, in the garage or even standing next to your sink without worrying about water damage to a traditional phone set.
Radar detectors are exactly what the name implies. They work to detect working radar within a certain range. They are usually mounted on your windshield, cash or visor. The variety of units are determined by their sensitivity and number of frequencies or bands they pick up. Note that they are illegal in some states so check your local laws.
Bulbs in a variety of replacement styles are available including festoon, wedge base, sealed beam, screw base in different sizes and in incandescent, halogen and LED bulbs. Applications include replacement bulbs for navigation lighting, courtesy and cabin lighting and trailer lighting. Never be without replacement bulbs for all your lights. Most are essential to your safety and you don’t want to be without.
Shorepower refers to the power source on land used for power while your boat or vessel is docked at a marina or in harbor. This power source is usually the same as the power source at your home. Connecting to shorepower requires a variety of accessories including inlets and outlets, adapters, powercords and cordsets and plugs.
Establishing a marine solar system is not that far removed than any other solar power application. It requires a solar panel to gather the energy source of the sun as well as a charge controller or regulator to control the charge to the battery and prevent any overcharge and the battery to store that energy before it is distributed through an inverter to your power need such as small appliances. With that comes the need for many accessories for the system to work fully.
Solenoids are required where there is a large amount of power and the electrical input is not easily wired through a switch. For instance, starter motors on boats require a solenoid for the flow of the power from the battery to the motor. Many times it isn’t your ignition, but could be the solenoid causing the issue.
A strobelight is going to produce light flashes for transmission of an emergency signal by boaters over long distance. Many times they are available in flashlight and strobelight combos for not only boating, but other recreational use. The strobe is usually rated by the number of flashes per minute.
Switch panels are available in unloaded, unwired and fully wired and for a variety of number of switches. Other considerations are vertical or horizontal positioning and specific electrical considerations. Many are available with circuit breakers.
When choosing a switch make sure you closely match up your need to the fuse you are choosing. There are many details to assess including the positions on/off/manual/momentary and a variety of those combinations. Single or double pole is also a consideration. Note whether you are wanting a toggle, rocker or contura design and whether you want illuminated switches.
Terminal blocks or strips are used in many marine electrical systems instead of a fuse panel wiring from the battery then to everything else. Essentially if your boat’s electrical system is not protected with fused circuits then you may need to add a fused terminal block for protection.
Terminal chose considerations include insulator type, UL specifications and quality of wire for corrosion resistance. Ease of installation is also a great selection criteria. Terminals are available a variety of styles including ring, bullet, butt connector, spade as well as single, double and three-way.
Weatherdeck Panels are designed for open cockpit and flybridge applications. They are rated for temporary immersion for these particular application needs. They are available in a variety of circuit models and have fuse based circuit protection. They are made with corrosion resistant materials and the housing can be mounted in four different ways and is made of UV and weather resistant materials including toggle switches.
A variety of electrical tapes in appropriate colors as well as liquid electrical tape are available for your marine electrical system. In addition there are tie mounts, clamps, clips and cable ties in plastic and Velcro.
Wire looms, flex jackets and conduit are available to protect and route systems in an organized fashion.
The number one consideration in buying marine wiring is making sure it IS marine wiring. Use of anything other than marine wiring can be costly and dangerous. Copper tinned wire that is resistant to corrosion is top on the list meeting all appropriate standards
