Measuring and thinking about the wiring
I spent the first part of this evening's visit to see Kathlyn doing a good measuring up job of the bathroom, shower room and galley to make sure I have the correct measurements to do my plans with. There is no point working to the plans I originally did for the fit, I have got to work off the actual room sizes now!
The second part was spent thinking about the wiring. The 12V distribution panel is positioned in the centre of the boat on the bulkhead between saloon and shower room. My understanding is that it is positioned here to avoid the voltage drop issues you get with running quite small cables the long length of a narrowboat. The problem is that it is right where I want to put the exit flu of a stove in my saloon.
My first thought was to move the distribution panel to the side of the boat but on the same bulkhead. Luckily for me New Boat leave plenty of length on the tails to do this move. This would still require me to mount the distribution panel in the saloon which may not look the best.
The other option is to move the distribution panel all the way back to the stern with the other electrical equipment. As the kitchen (ie Cooker and fridge) is at the stern they would not require long cable runs so would not be effected. The only items that would end up on long cable runs are the shower and water pumps, but I could just fit those with extra thick cables.
It is not a small job to do this kind of move of distribution panel, but it is a lot easier to do it now than later. What do I do?
The second part was spent thinking about the wiring. The 12V distribution panel is positioned in the centre of the boat on the bulkhead between saloon and shower room. My understanding is that it is positioned here to avoid the voltage drop issues you get with running quite small cables the long length of a narrowboat. The problem is that it is right where I want to put the exit flu of a stove in my saloon.
My first thought was to move the distribution panel to the side of the boat but on the same bulkhead. Luckily for me New Boat leave plenty of length on the tails to do this move. This would still require me to mount the distribution panel in the saloon which may not look the best.
The other option is to move the distribution panel all the way back to the stern with the other electrical equipment. As the kitchen (ie Cooker and fridge) is at the stern they would not require long cable runs so would not be effected. The only items that would end up on long cable runs are the shower and water pumps, but I could just fit those with extra thick cables.
It is not a small job to do this kind of move of distribution panel, but it is a lot easier to do it now than later. What do I do?
3 Comments:
If you can avoid the voltage drop - move the panel, even if this means rewiring.
If you are really sure this is the right place for the stove - move the panel!
Whatever you do - try not to compromise and leave an issue that constantly irritates you - it will spoil your enjoyment of your boat.
Solved to your full satisfaction, you will enjoy the acheivement in overcoming the problem.
Peter.
Thanks for your comments. As you say I think it has to be done otherwise it will nag me for a long time.
Right how much cable (and what size) do I need ... Hummm
Matt, register yourself on this site..
http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php
Ask your questions.. you will have replies very quicky. They are very keen to come up with all the answers.
By the way, the steps look great!
Regards Sue
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