ABYC standard E11.12.1.1.1 states that each ungrounded conductor connected to a battery charger, alternator, or other charging source, shall be provided with overcurrent protection within a distance of seven inches (175mm) of the point of connection to the DC electrical system or to the battery.
The exceptions to this are:
- When the conductor is enclosed in a sheath or enclosure such as conduit in addition to its insulation the 7" dimensions can be increased to 40".
- If the conductor is connected directly to the battery terminal and is enclosed in a sheath or enclosure such as conduit in addition to its insulation the 7" dimension can be increased to 72".
- The conductor connects to the starter for the engine.
Figure 1 below shows the location of the circuit protection devices per ABYC standard E11.12.1.1.1
Figure 1
Any devices connected directly to the battery such as bow thrusters and windlasses are required to have a circuit protection device installed per the same guidelines above.
