Battery And Battery Cables Requirements; Battery - Mercury MerCruiser Product Applications Manual

Electrical System
• Conductors should be routed to clear sources of chafing such as steering cable and
linkages, throttle connections, and other moving engine components.
• Conductors should be supported throughout their length and should be secured at least
every 46 cm (18 in.), using industry approved fasteners.
• All connections shall be in locations protected from the weather, in weatherproof
enclosures or should be watertight. If connections are exposed to immersion, they must
be watertight.
• Metals used for terminal studs, nuts, and washers shall be corrosion resistant and
galvanically compatible with the conductor and terminal lug. Aluminum and unplated
steel shall not be used for studs, nuts, and washers.
• No more than 4 conductors shall be secured to any one terminal stud.
• Only industry approved terminals shall be used, which typically include ring and captive
spade types.
• Solder shall not be used as the sole means of mechanical connection in any circuit.
Solder connections shall be properly supported to minimize flexing of the solder
connection.
• Twist-on connectors (i.e. wire nuts) shall not be used.
• Wire size and insulation rating shall be selected in accordance with industry standards
with the proper overcurrent protection being used.

Battery and Battery Cables Requirements

Electrical system is negative (-) ground. Do not reverse battery cables or alternator and
other electronics may be damaged.
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.
Avoid electrical system damage. When installing the battery, be sure to connect the
negative (-) battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal and the positive (+) battery
cable to the positive (+) battery terminal.

Battery

IMPORTANT: Boating industry standards (BIA, ABYC, etc.), federal standards and Coast
Guard regulations must be adhered to when installing the battery. Ensure that battery cable
installation meets the pull test requirements and that positive battery terminal is properly
insulated in accordance with regulations.
IMPORTANT: It is recommended (required in some states) that the battery be installed in
an enclosed case. Refer to regulations for your area.
IMPORTANT: Battery cables should always be tightened with a wrench
Select a battery that meets these specifications:
• The battery is a 12-volt marine type.
Page 8A-4
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
90-863758060 AUGUST 2006