Industry Standards And Regulations - Mercury MerCruiser Product Applications Manual

Always disconnect the battery cables from the battery before working around electrical
system components to prevent injury and damage to the electrical system if a wire should
accidentally cause a short circuit.
Avoid damage to the EFI electrical system components: Refer to the following
precautions when working on or around the EFI electrical harness, or when adding other
electrical accessories:
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Avoid fire hazard. The accessory wire on the 14-pin engine wiring harness cannot exceed
15 amp current draw. An optional kit must be used for accessory power or switched
power.
IMPORTANT: The accessory wire in the 14-pin harness will not support amperage in
excess of 15 amps. Refer to Quicksilver Accessories for an optional relay kit that will
accommodate a higher amperage draw.

Industry Standards and Regulations

When designing and installing the electrical system, adhere to all applicable marine
regulations (United States Coast Guard [USCG], European Union–Recreational Craft
Directive [EU-RCD], etc.) and the standards they reference (American Boat and Yacht
Council [ABYC], Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE], International Standards
Organization [ISO], etc.) for the market in which the boat will be sold.
The following excerpts from the ABYC Standards should be observed when designing and
installing the electrical system. These are just a few of the more fundamental standards
that, if observed, can significantly improve the overall reliability and durability of the boat
and engine package. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and should not be used as
a substitute for reading the standards.
• Current carrying conductors shall be routed as high as practical above bilge water level
and other areas where the water may accumulate. The wiring and connections must
be water-tight.
• Conductors should be routed as far away as practical from exhaust pipes and other
heat sources. Unless an equivalent thermal barrier is provided, a clearance of
51 mm (2 in.) should be provided between conductors and the water cooled Mercury
MerCruiser exhaust system components.
• Conductors that may be exposed to physical damage shall be protected by self-draining
loom, conduit, tape, raceways, or other equivalent protection.
• Conductors passing through bulkheads or structural members shall be protected to
avoid insulation damage such as chafing by using grommets.
90-863758060 AUGUST 2006
Do not tap accessories into engine harness.
Do not puncture wires for testing (probing).
Do not reverse battery leads.
Do not splice wires into harness.
Do not attempt diagnostics without proper, approved service tools.
CAUTION
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CAUTION
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CAUTION
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WARNING
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Electrical System
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