Electrical Installation - Beta Marine Beta 10 Operator's Maintenance Manual

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
All our engines are supplied with 12 volt electric starting
as standard. We therefore supply the main components:
starter motor, battery charging alternator, fuel control
solenoid, glow plugs, engine temperature sensor, oil
pressure sensor, control panel and a wiring loom
connecting everything together. We do not supply as
standard either the starter batteries or battery cables.
CONTROL PANELS
Heat Exchanger Cooling - We offer 5 control panels: the
ABV is standard and the A, ABVW, B and C are optional.
The engine harness is common to all.
With our Keel Cooled Canal range the AB panel is
standard or the 'C' panel is optional.
1. Control Panels must be fitted in a location where the
helmsman can either see or hear the alarm system.
2. Our control panels are supplied as standard with a 3
metre multi-core cable for connection to the engine
wiring loom. As an optional extra, Beta can provide
various lengths of extension looms for runs of over
3m, and this kit includes a start relay to overcome the
voltage drop. (See drawing 300-58520).
3. For standard wiring diagrams see back of manual.
4. All electrical equipment must be protected from sea
water. Sea water or rust in the starter motor will
invalidate the warranty.
BATTERY INSTALLATIONS - SOME CONSIDERATIONS
We would recommend keeping the electrical part of the
engine installation as simple and as reliable as possible.
We would suggest a dedicated battery for engine starting
and if required, a domestic battery bank for other
requirements.
Selecting the correct starter battery and battery cables is
important as incorrect selection is a major cause of
starting failure.
BATTERIES
1. There are several different types of battery available
to choose from: a) Wet Lead Acid (invented in 1859);
b) AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat - developed in 1972 as
sealed Lead Acid); c) Gel (with a gelified electrolyte)
developed in 1980; d) Lithium-ion produced in 1991.
Care must be taken when pushing the two halves of
the plug together to ensure that individual pins do not
fall out. To prevent corrosion and assist in assembly
we recommend that the plug is packed with petroleum
jelly (Vaseline) and then carefully pushed together. The
plastic boots should cover both halves and overlap. A
cable tie is then put around to hold the two halves in
position and help prevent any ingression of water.
5. The control panels must not be installed where sea
water spray can get at them. We recommend that a
suitable flap or cover is fitted.
6. All cables must be adequately clipped and protected
from abrasion.
7. Electrical systems shall be designed and installed so
as to ensure proper operation of the craft under
normal conditions of use and shall be such as to
minimise risk of fire and electric shock.
8. Attention shall be paid to the provision of overload and
short circuit protection of all circuits, except engine
starting circuits, supplied from batteries.
9. Ventilation shall be provided to prevent the
accumulation of gases, which might be emitted from
batteries. Batteries shall be firmly secured and
protected from ingress of water.
With boats there are two different requirements: 1)
A battery to drive the starter motor. 2) A battery bank
to power your domestic / auxiliary needs such as GPS,
navigation equipment, lighting, music etc... We
recommend that you talk to a battery specialist for
guidance!
2. The climatic conditions can affect power output from
batteries and if used in low temperatures the battery
capacity will need to be increased as performance will
decrease. This needs to be considered when first
selecting your batteries.
3. All our engines are supplied with one battery charging
alternator, sometimes two. Our electric starting circuit
is nominal 12 volts and we fit as standard a 40 amp
battery charging alternator up to Beta 25, and a 65
amp alternator from the Beta 30.
22