Common Causes of Hidden Marine Electrical Fires
Cable High Resistance
Electrical cables, over time, can corrode and build resistance, causing them to heat up to start a fire.
Ignition Protection
Ensure components in the engine compartment have ignition protection to prevent fire and explosion.
Motor Locked
Bilge pumps are free of debris that blocks the motor from turning over. Heat will build up if the motor cannot turn over. Fire will occur without knowing it.
Grounding Systems
Survey and inspect grounding systems for proper grounding, fuses, and AIC rating (ampere interrupting capacity).
Fuel & Gas Leakage
Make sure all fuel systems are surveyed and inspected free of chafing hose lines. LPG & CNG are stored properly with the correct pressures PSIG.
Incorrect Wire Guages
Using improper wire sizes below the recommended sizes will heat up and burn up the cable, starting a fire.
How to Prevent Marine Electrical Fires
Protect Your Yachts and Onboard Personnel
Fire often occurs on yachts. The two main causes are: electrical issues and fuel leaks. Most fire incidents are obvious: fuel leaks with vapors accumulating in closed areas that can ignite from sparks, and electrical issues are caused by not knowing the complexity of electricity.
Tools For Fire Prevention
With a simple multi-meter, you can test electrical cables for resistance and proper wire gauges to prevent future fire incidents.
Connectors with an IP 2X rating are required for all battery connections to prevent short circuits. Dielectric grease should be applied to all battery terminals to prevent corrosion and to prevent heat buildup.
Portable fire extinguishers must be USCG and EPA-approved and use clean agents. They must be accessible and pass hydrostatic testing.
A fixed fire extinguisher system must have adequate agents when expelled to cover the entire volume of the protected space. The indicator is located outside the protected space, and for automatic systems, it must be located at the helm station.