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The dangers of marine stray current
Marine "stray current" is defined as electrical (Typically 120 volt AC) power present on circuits aboard your vessel or in the water your boat is floating on.
This stray current can have several sources. It can be the result of inappropriate wiring aboard your vessel, faulty wiring at your marina, or simply by you, the vessel operator, bringing an electrical device aboard that was not designed for marine use.
Electrical wiring aboard your vessel supplies power to operates devices much the same way as electrical wiring operates electrical devices at your home. In both cases you plug the device into the wall receptacle, turn the device on, and it begins to operate. That' where the similarity ends.
Because the wiring on your vessel is different than the wiring in your home, simply put, electrical devices from your home are not compatible with and should not be used aboard your vessel. The prudent navigator will, therefore, use only electrical equipment on his vessel that was designed for marine use .
We do plan an article which will cover this topic in technical detail within the next few weeks. It will be linked to this article.
One of our Marine Surveyors, Mike Griffin, from Marine Surveyor' s of North Georgia, has had a serious interest in this problem for several years. Being aware of the problem, nationwide, he has been working on the design of a device that can be used by the average boater, marine surveyor, and marine electrician to combat the "stray current" problem.
and a solution by member Michael Griffin, CMS
Mike invites all members and the Boating Public to call him to discuss his device. He can be reached at Marine Surveyor's of North Georgia Tele: (678) 977-8844
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