Electrical System Maintenance; Battery Maintenance; Electrical Wiring Maintenance - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Review information regarding carbon mon-
oxide at Section B-2 - Carbon Monoxide and
Section E-2 - Engine Exhaust.
If a generator is installed, periodic generator mainte-
nance as outlined in the generator owner's manual is
necessary. Refer to the manufacturer's literature for
more information. General generator installation dia-
grams are included at the end of this section.
H - 13 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
A. Battery Maintenance
Be sure to keep the batteries charged. Also, keep the
batteries clean, especially the terminals and connection
lugs. Be sure the batteries are fastened securely while
in use.
Check the battery fluid level often, especially when a
charger/converter is being used. Replenish a battery
indicating a low charge. Determine the reason for the
discharge. Lack of battery usage is as detrimental to
battery longevity as is overuse. Alternating battery us-
age is important. Refer to the battery manufacturer's
instructions included with your battery.
Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases
when being charged. These explosive gases
escape through the vent/fill caps and may form
an explosive atmosphere around the battery if
the ventilation is poor. This gas may remain
around the battery for several hours after
charging. Sparks or flames can ignite the gas
and cause an explosion.
Fire or Explosion Hazard!
Only qualified personnel should install batteries
and perform electrical system maintenance.
Do not expose batteries to open flame or
sparks. Do not smoke near batteries.
Vista™ Owner's Manual
™
Poison!
Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause severe
burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or cloth-
ing. Wear goggles, rubber gloves and protec-
tive apron when working with batteries. In
case of skin contact, flush with water at least
15 minutes. If swallowed, drink large quantities
of water or milk. Follow with Milk of Magnesia,
beaten egg or vegetable oil. Get medical at-
tention immediately.
Disconnect the battery before working on elec-
trical or ignition system to prevent electrical
shock and accidental ignition.
B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance
Periodically, inspect all wiring for nicks, chaffing, embrittle-
ment, improper support, etc. Examine the shore power
cord closely for insulation cracks and corrosion in the
electrical devices. Spraying the receptacles and electri-
cal connections with an electrical connection cleaner will
reduce corrosion and improve electrical continuity.
DO NOT allow corrosion to build up on connec-
tions. Shorts or ground faults can result.
The entire 120 (220) volt circuitry, especially the shore
power cord, should be seasonally tested for proper conti-
nuity by an experienced marine electrician. This will help
detect any short, open wire, or ground fault. Also, check
the polarity indicator system for proper operation.
120 (220) volt AC electrical power can be
dangerous. DO NOT attempt to service a
system unless you are familiar with, and expe-
rienced in, performing such service.
Section H
Page 12