Section 6 • Electrical System; Electrical System; Direct Current (Dc) - Sea Ray 175 Sport Owner's Manual

S
1. E S
LECTRICAL YSTEM
A. D C
IRECT URRENT
The 12 volt direct current (DC) electrical system
(similar to that in your car or truck) derives it's power
from the battery. An engine-driven alternator keeps
the battery in a charged condition. The battery
voltage is indicated by the voltmeter on the helm
panel. The negative terminal of the battery is
attached to of the ground studs of the engine. This
is designated as the engine negative terminal.
Ask your dealer for a careful analysis of DC power
needs on your boat. It may be necessary to add
batteries or auxiliary charging methods to supply
adequate power for any additional accessories you
wish to add.
B
ATTERIES
! DANGER
DO NOT USE JUMPER CABLES IN THE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
They can cause an explosion from sparks.
! DANGER
A battery will explode if a flame or spark
ignites the free hydrogen given off during
charging.
Never use an open flame or strike sparks
in the battery area.
The battery installed in your boat has been selected
for it's ability to furnish starting power based on
engine starting requirements, as well as it's ability
to power the DC accessories attached to the
electrical system. Your Engine Owner's Manual
indicates the recommended battery for the engine
installed in your boat.
!
To prevent arcing or damage to the alternator,
always disconnect battery cables before doing any
work on the engine's electrical system.
175 Sport
6 • E
ECTION
(DC)
CAUTION
S
LECTRICAL YSTEM
To remove the battery cables:
1. Turn off all items drawing power from the
battery.
2. Turn the battery switch to the OFF position
(Battery switch is optional equipment on some
models).
3. Remove the negative cable first, then the positive
cable. To replace the cables, first replace the
positive cable, then the negative.
B M
ATTERY AINTENANCE
• Check the fluid levels in the cells approximately
every 4 weeks, and weekly in summer and hot
zones.
• The fluid level must be between the lower and
upper markings.
• Replenish only with distilled water. Do not use
metal funnel.
• Coat battery terminal clamps with silicone
grease. Keep batteries clean and dry.
Battery life is shortened if it is drained to zero charge
before recharging. It is recommended that a battery
not be discharged more than 50 percent. If the
battery does become run down, recharge it as soon
as possible.
Running the engine to recharge the battery may
not be effective. The alternator only creates
charging power at higher engine speeds, so simply
idling or trolling will not generate enough power to
recharge the battery.
If you need to charge a battery, use only a battery
charger designed to charge automotive/marine
batteries. Use charger only when batteries are
disconnected from the boat's electrical circuit. Follow
the charger instructions.
If your boat will not be used for several weeks
remove the batteries from the boat and connect
them to a charger.
6.1