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CHAPTER III - MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

7.1 An effective pumping system shall be fitted with bilge suction pipes leading to drainage levels that permit all water within any compartment, or any watertight section of any compartment, to be pumped out through at least one suction pipe when the vessel is on an even keel and is upright, or is listing by not more than 5^o.

7.2 In vessels certified to carry more than 12 passengers, bilge water drainage in the machinery spaces and watertight compartments shall be such that the spaces and compartments, where practicable, can be pumped out after a casualty when the vessel is upright or listing.

7.3 The arrangement of the pumping system shall be such as to prevent the possibility of water passing from the sea to any compartment or from one watertight compartment to another, and for that purpose the bilge suction valves shall be of the screw-down non-return type, or adjacent stop and check valves, in a readily accessible location.

7.4 Bilge suction pipes shall lead from easily accessible mud boxes fitted with straight tailpipes to the bilge, except that mud boxes are not required to be fitted if the tailpipes lead to easily accessible strainers that have:

1. perforations not more than 10mm diameter with a total perforated area of;
   1. not less than twice the area of the suction pipe in compartments outside the machinery space;
   2. not less than three times the area of the suction pipe in the machinery space; and
   
   
2. can be cleared without breaking any of the joints of the suction pipe.

7.5 Subject to section 7.2, where a ship is not in excess of 11 m in length, one machinery space bilge suction pipe only is required to be fitted.

7.6 Sea suction, overboard discharge and bilge valves shall be in easily accessible locations and readily visible.

7.7 Pipes shall be made in readily removable lengths with flanged joints or other connections of a type offering security equivalent to that of flanged joints.

7.8 The number and capacity of bilge pumps and bilge pipe internal diameters shall conform to the requirements set out in the table of Part 25, Schedule IV.

7.9 Except as specified in sections 7.10 and 7.11, pipes shall be made of steel or other suitable metallic material.

7.10 Piping and components of rigid plastic or reinforced plastic may be used, provided that:

1. they are not used in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control locations;
   
   
2. they are not used in fire extinguishing piping systems or where a bilge pump may be used as a fire pump;
   
   
3. they are protected from vibration;
   
   
4. they are clearly visible and accessible at all times;
   
   
5. they are not installed outboard of the sea inlet and overboard discharge valves;
   
   
6. when passing through a steel watertight or fire control bulkhead, a steel spool piece shall be attached to the bulkhead or deck and, at a watertight bulkhead or deck a metallic shut off valve shall be installed immediately adjacent to the spool-piece except that no valve is required on ballast or fresh water piping located within ballast or fresh water tanks;
   
   
7. remote controls operable from above the bulkhead deck are fitted to the shut-off valve except where:
   1. the piping on one side of the bulkhead or deck is completely metallic and the valve is fitted to the metallic piping and easily accessible; or
   2. two readily accessible valves are installed, one on either side of the bulkhead or deck; and
   
   
8. when passing through a bulkhead or deck material other than steel, the installation is such that the fire, watertight and structural integrity of the bulkhead or deck is not diminished due to the penetration;

7.11 Short flexible hoses may be used to absorb vibration and expansion provided that:

1. they are not used to correct misalignment;
   
   
2. they be clearly visible and accessible at all times; and
   
   
3. they are of adequate strength to withstand the working pressure or collapse due to suction.

7.12 A submersible electric bilge pump may only be used on a vessel provided that:

1. the pump is listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. or other recognized authority;
   
   
2. the pump is used to dewater not more than one watertight compartment;
   
   
3. the pump is securely attached to the adjacent structure;
   
   
4. the pump is equipped with a strainer which can be readily inspected and cleaned;
   
   
5. the pump discharge line is suitably supported, looped as high as possible above the hull opening, and fitted with an anti-siphon device; if a flexible hose is used, the hose shall not penetrate any watertight bulkheads;
   
   
6. the opening in the hull for the pump discharge is placed as high above the waterline as practical;
   
   
7. a screw down non-return valve is installed at the hull penetration; and
   
   
8. a means to indicate the automatic operation of the pump shall be provided at all control stations.

7.13 A flexible tube or hose may be used instead of fixed pipe for the discharge line of a submersible electric bilge pump provided the hose or tube does not penetrate any required watertight bulkheads and is:

1. of substantial construction suitable for the intended use; and
   
   
2. highly resistant to salt water, petroleum oil, heat vibration

7.14 A visual and audible alarm system approved by the Regional Director shall be provided at the operating station to indicate high bilge level in all normally unattended machinery spaces located below the deepest load waterline.

7.15 A visual indicator must be provided at the operating station to indicate when any automatic bilge pump is operating.

7.16 Subject to section 7.17, bilge pumps on the vessel may be used as fire pumps by using them to pump sea water on deck.

7.17 Where two bilge pumps are required on the vessel, neither pump shall be used as a fire pump or to pump sea water on deck unless it is possible for one bilge pump to simultaneously pump bilge water overboard while the other pumps sea water on deck.

8.1.1 Fuel oil for all fixed installations shall have a flash-point of not less than 60^o C (closed cup test) except that it may have a flash-point of not less than 43^o C (closed cup test) where the measures are taken so that the ambient temperature of the spaces in which the fuel is stored or used does not rise to within 10^o C below the flash point of the fuel.

8.2.1 Where practicable, the use of non-structural fuel oil tanks shall be avoided.

8.2.2 Non-structural tanks of 4,500 litres or less capacity shall:

1. be made of steel or other material suitable for the liquid contents, the intended use and location of the tanks in the ship
   
   
2. where carbon steel shell plate is used, be of the following minimum thickness:

   - 2 mm for capacity not exceeding 100 litre

   - 3 mm for capacity not exceeding 1,300 litres; and

   - 5 mm for capacity not exceeding 4,500 litres.
   
   

3. be fitted with stiffeners so that any unsupported flat surface area does not exceed:

   - 0.28 m² where plate thickness does not exceed 3 mm, and

   - 0.56 m² where plate thickness does not exceed 5 mm.
   
   

4. be fitted with a suitable clean-out door, where capacity exceeds 1,300 litres; and



5. have welded or brazed seams, except that where the capacity is not more than 100 litres a solder having a melting point of not less than 425^o C may be used.

8.2.3 Unsupported flat surface areas for different thickness plates of non-structural tanks shall be determined by interpolation or extrapolation.

8.2.4 Depending on the size and configuration of a non-structural tank, the tank may be required to be fitted with baffles.

8.2.5 A fuel tank that is not separate from the hull shall be considered as part of the hull, taking into consideration the strength requirements of the vessel and the possibility of contamination of oil fuel with water, but the standards of construction and testing shall not be less than those set out in this section for a fuel tank that is separate from the hull.

8.2.6 All the metal components of the fuel system shall have low resistance electrical continuity of ground. Where nonconducting materials are used, a bonding jumper shall be installed across the break and bonded to the engine. Electrical continuity shall be maintained from the fill plate on deck to the engine.

8.3.1 Aluminum fuel tanks of suitable design, stiffened and baffled as necessary, may be constructed of one of the following wrought alloys:

8.3.2 Aluminum piping of a suitable grade (eg. 6061-T6) may be used for fuel oil piping systems.

8.3.3 If aluminum piping is used for fuel oil piping systems, rate of temperature rise alarms shall be fitted in the machinery spaces as defined in Part 20, section 20.1.

8.3.4 Bodies of the valves on aluminum oil tanks shall be made of stainless steel of a grade which is compatible with aluminum.

Where the capacity of a fuel tank exceeds 120 liters, the following shall apply:

8.4.1 Fill pipes shall not be less than 35 mm internal diameter.

8.4.2 There shall be a means of accurately determining the amount of fuel in each fuel tank either by sounding, through a separate sounding pipe or a fill pipe, or by an approved marine type fuel gauge system.

8.4.3 Where sounding pipes are used, their openings shall be at least as high as the opening of the fill pipe and they shall be kept closed at all times except during sounding.

8.4.4 Fill pipes and sounding pipes shall be so arranged that overflow of liquid or vapor cannot escape to the inside of the vessel.

8.4.5 Fill pipes and sounding pipes shall run as directly as possible, preferably in a straight line, from the deck connection to the top of the tank. Such pipes shall terminate on the weather deck and shall be fitted with shutoff valves, watertight deck plates, or screw caps, suitably marked for identification. Fill pipes and sounding pipes may terminate at the top of the tank.

8.4.6 Where a flexible fill pipe section is necessary, suitable flexible tubing or hose having high resistance to salt water, oils, heat and vibration may be used. Such hose shall overlap the metallic pipe ends at least 1 1/2 times the pipe diameter and shall be secured at each end by two clamps of corrosion resistant metal. Clamps depending solely on the spring tension of the metal shall not be used. The flexible section shall be accessible and as near the upper end of the fill pipe as practicable. When the flexible section is a nonconductor of electricity, the metallic sections of the fill pipe separated thereby shall be joined by a conductor for protection against static spark when filling.

8.4.7 Each fuel tank shall be fitted with a vent pipe connected to the highest point of the tank.

8.4.8 The minimum diameter of the vent pipe for fuel tanks shall be as follows:

1. not less than 12 mm internal diameter for a tank with a capacity not in excess of 120 liters;
   
   
2. not less than 20 mm internal diameter for a tank with a capacity in excess of 120 liters; and
   
   
3. not less than the minimum internal diameter of the fill pipe if provision is made to fill the tank under pressure or through a dispensing nozzle or similar component.

8.4.9 The discharge ends of fuel tank vent pipes shall terminate above the weather deck remote from any hull opening into any enclosed spaces. Vent pipes terminating on the hull exterior shall be installed or equipped to prevent the accidental contamination of the fuel by water under normal operating conditions.

8.4.10 The discharge ends of fuel tank vent pipes shall be fitted with removable flame screens or flame arresters. The flame screens shall consist of one or more screens of corrosion resistant wire of at least 30 x 30 mesh. The flame screens or flame arresters shall be of such size and design as to prevent reduction in the net cross-sectional area of the vent pipe and permit cleaning or renewal of the flame screens or arrester elements.

8.4.11 Where a flexible vent pipe section is necessary, suitable flexible tubing or hose having high resistance to salt water, petroleum oils, heat and vibration, may be used. Such hose shall overlap metallic pipe ends at least 1 1/2 times the pipe diameter and shall be secured at each end by two clamps of corrosion resistant metal. Clamps depending solely on the spring tension of the metal shall not be used. The flexible section shall be accessible and as near the upper end of the vent pipe as practicable.

8.4.12 Where a drain valve or cock is provided on a fuel tank it shall have a standard screwed outlet that shall be kept plugged with a screwed plug, permanently attached by a chain, whenever the cock or valve is not in use.

8.4.13 The piping from any fuel tank shall be fitted at the tank with a valve or cock that is capable of being operated from outside the compartment in which the tank is situated.

8.4.14 The means of control of a valve or cock referred to in subsection 8.4.13 shall consist of:

1. an extended spindle;
   
   
2. a self-closing valve actuated by a trip wire; or
   
   
3. any other suitable device satisfactory to an inspector.

8.4.15 Where the fuel tank is aluminum, all valves, fittings and piping fitted to the fuel tank shall be of a material compatible with aluminum.

8.4.16 Fuel oil pipes shall be of steel or similar fire and pressure resistant materials except that short flexible hoses of an approved fuel line material and appropriate approved hose fittings may be used where expansion and vibration may be encountered.

8.4.17 Every non-structural fuel tank shall be securely chocked, fastened in place and electrically bonded to the vessel's ground plate or to the engine.

8.4.18 Every fuel tank shall be situated remote from heating surfaces.

8.4.19 Gasoline shall not be stored in bulk.

8.4.20 Small approved portable containers holding fuel with a flash point lower than 43^oC may be used providing they:

1. meet the Canadian Standards Association standard, "Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels" as amended from time to time;
   
   
2. be stored outside machinery and accommodation spaces; and
   
   
3. have a total capacity of not more than 88 liters.

9.1 Exhaust Pipes from the main engines and from auxiliary engines of the vessel shall be permanently mounted and shall lead to the open air outside the vessel through the uppermost deck or canopy or through the hull.

9.2 Where the exhaust pipes referred to in section 9.1 pass through the uppermost deck or canopy, they shall be of sufficient height to ensure that exhaust gases are prevented from entering into the vessel.

9.3 Where the exhaust pipes referred to in section 9.1 pass through the hull of the vessel, the connection shall be watertight and provision shall be made to prevent the engine from being flooded.

9.4 All exhaust pipes on the vessel shall be well secured and be clear of all woodwork and other combustible materials and, where considered necessary by an inspector, they shall be covered with lagging.

9.5 Where an exhaust pipe passes through a watertight bulkhead, the watertight integrity of the bulkhead must be maintained. Noncombustible packing must be used in bulkhead penetration glands for dry exhaust systems. A wet exhaust pipe may be welded to a steel bulkhead in way of a penetration and a fiberglass wet exhaust pipe may be fibreglassed to a fiberglass reinforced plastic bulkhead if suitable arrangements are provided to relieve the stresses resulting from the expansion of the exhaust piping.

10.1 Means of stopping the propulsion machinery of the vessel, other than by shutting off a valve or cock fitted to the fuel tank, shall be provided outside the space where the machinery is located and such means shall be fire resistant.

11.1 The main steering gear shall be designed for when the vessel is at its deepest sea-going draft and:

1. running ahead at maximum service speed, to put the rudder over
   
   1. from 35^o on one side to 35^o on the other side, and
   2. from 35^o on either side to 30^o on the other side in not more than 28 seconds; and
   
   
2. running astern at maximum astern speed, for maximum rudder angle operation.

11.2 A main steering gear shall be power operated where necessary to meet the requirements of section 11.1.

11.3 The auxiliary steering gear shall be designed, and demonstrated when the vessel is at its deepest sea-going draft and running ahead at one-half its maximum service speed or 7 knots, whichever is the greater, to put the rudder over from 15^o on one side to 15^o on the other side in not more than 60 seconds.

11.4 A suitable hand tiller may be acceptable as the auxiliary means of steering.

11.5 An auxiliary means of steering shall be provided unless:

1. the main steering gear and its controls are provided in duplicate;
   
   
2. multiple screw propulsion, with independent wheelhouse control for each screw, is provided, and the vessel is capable of being steered using wheelhouse control of the propulsion units;
   
   
3. no regular rudder is fitted and steering action is obtained by a change of setting of the propelling unit; or
   
   
4. a rudder and hand tiller are the main steering gear.

12.1 The diameter of rudder stocks for rudders fitted with bottom pintles shall not be less than:

(a) as shown in the following table;

or

(b) as that calculated by the following formula:

where

D = diameter of rudder stock in millimetres

A = total area of one face of rudder in square metres

R = average horizontal distance in metres between the trailing edge of rudder and the centre line of stock, and

V = maximum speed of vessel in knots, or 8 knots, whichever is the greater.

12.2 Rudder stocks may also be in accordance with the rules of an approved classification society.

13. SHAFTING ^

13.1 Subject to section 13.2 the intermediate shaft shall:

1. be made of material having a tensile strength of not less than 370 MPa; and
   
   
2. have a diameter not less than that obtained by the following formula;

where

d = diameter of the intermediate shaft in millimeters,

H = total maximum continuous brake power transmitted by the shaft in kW,

R = revolutions per minute of the intermediate shaft at continuous rating,

S = tensile strength of the intermediate shaft material in Megapascals.

13.2 Where the vessel is operated exclusively in fresh water, the diameter of the intermediate shaft may be 1.75 percent less than the diameter obtained by the formula set out in section 13.1.

13.3 The tailshaft of the vessel shall:

1. be made of material having a tensile strength of not less than 370 MPa; and
   
   
2. have a diameter not less than that obtained by the following formula, but in no case less than 32 mm;

where

D = diameter of the tailshaft in mm,

H = total maximum continuous brake power transmitted by the shaft in kW,

R = revolutions per minute of the intermediate shaft at continuous rating,

S = tensile strength of the tailshaft material in MPa.,

P = diameter of propeller in mm,

K = 0.0008 P or 1, whichever is the smaller,

C = 100 for a carbon steel shaft, and 144 for a shaft

1. fitted with a continuous liner,
   
   
2. running in oil,
   
   
3. made of bronze, monel, stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloy, or
   
   
4. fitted with non-continuous liners, when the shaft is completely covered between such liners with a securely bonded coating of rubber, neoprene or equivalent protective material.

13.4 Where the vessel is operated exclusively in fresh water, the diameter of the tailshaft may be 1.75 percent less than the diameter obtained by the formula set out in subsection 13.3.(b).

13.5 Subject to section 13.6, a certificate of test of the material used in the making of an intermediate shaft or tailshaft for the vessel, which has been issued by the manufacturer of such material or by an inspector, shall be submitted by the owner of the vessel to the steamship inspection office for the area in which the vessel is being constructed.

13.6 Subject to section 13.7, section 13.1 does not apply to the owner of the vessel that is engine driven with an engine that does not exceed 373 brake KW continuous rating.

13.7 When a certificate of material test is not supplied under section 13.6 calculations shall be based upon ultimate tensile strengths of:

1. 615 MPa for stainless steel or monel, and
   
   
2. 370 MPa for carbon steel or bronze.

13.8 Shafting may also be in accordance with the rules of an approved classification society.

14. STERN BEARINGS ^

14.1 Stern bearing assemblies of the vessel shall consist of:

1. a stern bearing not less than 3 1/2 shaft diameters in length;
   
   
2. a gland situated inside the vessel; and
   
3. a watertight tube fitted between the bearing and the gland, if required.

15. UNDERWATER FITTINGS ^

15.1 All suction and discharges passing through the hull below the weather deck shall be fitted with valves or cocks, and where non-return action is required they shall be either:

1. a screw down non-return valve; or
   
   
2. a screw down stop-valve and a non-return valve; or
   
   
3. to be operable from above the bulkhead deck.

15.2 Section 15.1 does not apply to:

1. keel cooling systems; or
   
   
2. scuppers that pass from the weather deck to the ship's side above the load water line.

15.3 The cocks or valves required by section 15.1 shall be fitted as close to the hull of the vessel as possible.

15.4 All shipside valves or cocks shall be of metal compatible with the hull material and be connected directly to:

1. and spigotted through the hull;
   
   
2. a shipside seabox; or
   
   
3. a short stub pipe attached to and having a strength not less than the hull.

15.5 Shipside valves or cocks directly connected to a metal hull or seabox shall be attached by studs screwed into metal pads welded to the hull or seabox plating without the studs penetrating into the plating.

15.6 Suction and discharge valves and cocks on a wooden or FRP vessel shall be attached to the hull by a recognized method.

16. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ^

16.1 General Design, Installation and Maintenance Requirements ^

16.1.1 Electrical equipment on the vessel must be installed and maintained to:

1. provide services necessary for safety under normal and emergency conditions;
   
   
2. protect passengers, crew, other persons and the vessel from electrical hazards, including fire, caused by or originating in electrical equipment, and electrical shock;
   
   
3. minimize accidental personnel contact with energized parts; and
   
   
4. prevent electrical ignition of flammable vapors.

16.2 Protection from Wet and Corrosive Environments ^

16.2.1 Electrical equipment used in one of the following locations must be drip-proof:

1. a machinery space;
   
   
2. a location normally exposed to splashing, water washdown, or other wet conditions within a galley, a laundry, or a public washroom or toilet room that has a bath or shower; or
   
   
3. another space with a similar moisture level.

16.2.2 Electrical equipment exposed to the weather must be watertight.

16.2.3 Electrical equipment exposed to salt water must be corrosion-resistant.

16.3 General Safety Provisions ^

16.3.1 Electrical equipment and installations must be suitable for the roll, pitch and vibration of the vessel underway.

16.3.2 All equipment, including switches, fuses, lampholders, etc. must be suitable for the voltage utilized.

17. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS - POWER SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ^

17.1 Power Sources ^

17.1.1 Each vessel that relies on electricity to power the following loads must have at least two sources of electricity to power these loads:

1. fuel system;
   
   
2. interior lighting except for decorative lights;
   
   
3. steering systems;
   
   
4. navigating equipment, navigation lights and radiotelephones;
   
   
5. fire protection equipment;
   
   
6. bilge pumps;
   
   
7. fire main, CO₂ and Halon systems; and
   
   
8. propulsion systems.

17.2 Radiotelephone Installations ^

17.2.1 A separate circuit, with over current protection at the main distribution panel, must be provided for each radiotelephone installation. The reserve source of energy for the radiotelephone installation is to comply with the Ship Station Technical Regulations as amended from time to time.

17.3 Emergency Lighting ^

17.3.1 A vessel of more than 20 m in length must have adequate emergency lighting fitted along the line of escape to the main deck from all passenger accommodation spaces located below the main deck.

17.3.2 A vessel of more than 20 m in length must have adequate emergency lighting for passageways, stairways, and escape trunks in passenger accommodation spaces, crew accommodation spaces, machinery spaces and all other spaces which may be routinely occupied by persons. The emergency lighting must be sufficient to allow passengers and crew to find their way to open decks.

17.3.3 The emergency lighting required by subsections 17.3.1 and 17.3.2 must automatically actuate upon failure of the main lighting system. If a vessel is not equipped with a single source of power for emergency lighting, it must have individual battery powered lights which:

1. are automatically actuated upon loss of normal power;
   
   
2. are not readily portable;
   
   
3. are connected to an automatic battery charger; and
   
   
4. have sufficient capacity for at least three hours of continuous operation.

17.4 Boat and Life raft Floodlights on Vessels more than 20 M in Length with more than 50 Passengers ^

17.4.1 Each vessel must have floodlights for illuminating the stowage position and embarkation station of boats and life rafts.

17.5 Emergency Electrical Lighting ^

17.5.1 Every vessel other than one certified to operate only between sunrise and sunset shall be fitted with permanent or portable lights that will illuminate the launching stations and stowage position of all survival craft for at least half an hour.

17.5.2 Where non-rechargeable battery operated hand lanterns are provided pursuant to subsection 17.5.1, the batteries shall be replaced on or before the expiry date marked on the battery; batteries which do not have an expiry date marked on them shall be replaced annually.

18. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ^

18.1 Electrical Systems Less Than 55 Volts ^

18.1.1 Types of Systems

1. Subject to paragraph 18.1.1.(d), all distribution systems shall be of the 2-wire type with insulated feed and return conductors in compliance with paragraphs 18.1.1.(b) and 18.1.1.(c).
   
   
2. Ungrounded distribution systems shall have all current-carrying conductors, including the source of power and all accessories, completely insulated from ground throughout the system.
   
   
3. Grounded distribution systems shall utilize the common ground part of the vessel only as a means of maintaining the return side of the system at ground potential; the grounded side of the system shall be of negative polarity.
   
   
4. The engine block may be used as a common ground return for electrical accessories mounted on the engine, except on metallic vessels where the engine block is not electrically isolated from the hull.

18.1.2 System Protection

1. Electrical systems and equipment shall be protected from the effects of over current by suitably rated fuses or circuit breakers.
2. Circuit Breakers shall
   1. have a D.C. voltage rating of not less than the nominal system voltage;
   2. be of a trip-free type;
   3. have instantaneous short-circuit protection capable of repeatedly opening the circuit in which they are used without failure; and
   4. be of a manual reset type.
   
   
3. Fuses of the proper rating may be used for circuit protection, but shall be used in conjunction with a switch located between the fuse and source of power; fuse holders shall be suitable for use in marine atmospheres.
   
   
4. An approved master battery switch capable of carrying the maximum current of the system, including starter circuits, shall be provided in each ungrounded conductor as close to the battery terminal as practicable; the switch shall be so located as to be readily accessible in case of an emergency; battery switches in systems using diode rectified alternators or third brush generators shall incorporate means for breaking the field circuit when the battery load is removed from the system.
   
   
5. The intermittent rating of the master battery switch shall be not less than the maximum cranking current of the engine cranking motor that it serves; the continuous rating of the battery switch shall be not less than the total of the ratings of the main over current protection devices connected to the master battery switch.
   
   
6. A fuse or manual-reset type circuit breaker shall be provided in each ungrounded feeder to the power distribution panel, except for the battery cable from the battery to the starter.
   
   
7. A fuse or manual-reset type circuit breaker shall be provided at the main distribution panel for each separate electrical circuit.
   
   
8. Each ungrounded conductor of circuits supplying lights, motors or electrical accessories shall be protected against overload at the distribution panel or switchboard serving as the source of power; the navigation light circuit shall be protected by a separate over-current device.
   
   
9. Where the cable size is reduced at a junction box, the rating of the circuit overload protective device shall be based on the current-carrying capacity of the smallest conductor in the circuit.
   
   
10. The conductors supplying motors and motor-operated appliances shall be protected by an over-current device which is designed to handle the inrush current; the motor protective overload device shall be rated or set at not more than 115 per cent of the motor full-load current rating for enclosed motors and not more than 125 per cent of the rating for open motors.

18.1.3 Equipment Grounding

1. In steel and aluminum vessels, non-conducting exposed metal parts of electrical equipment that requires to be grounded shall be effectively grounded to the hull.
   
   
2. On wood, fiber reinforced plastic and composite vessels, a continuous ground conductor shall be installed to facilitate the grounding of non-conducting exposed metal parts of electrical, electronic and communication equipment that requires to be grounded; the ground conductor shall terminate at a point on the main engine or at a copper plate of area not less than 0.2 m² fixed to the keel below the light waterline so as to be fully immersed under all conditions of heel.
   
   
3. Every grounding conductor shall be of copper or other corrosion-resistant material and shall be securely installed and protected, where necessary, against damage and electrolytic corrosion.
   
   
4. Every ground connection to the vessel's structure, or on wood, fibre reinforced plastic and composite vessels, to the continuous ground conductor, shall be made in an accessible position and shall be secured by a screw or connect or of brass or other corrosion resistant material used solely for that purpose.

18.1.4 Lightning Conductors

1. Lightning conductors shall be fitted to each mast of all wooden, fiber reinforced plastic and composite vessels and to each wooden mast of steel or aluminum vessels except where the height of any antenna exceeds that of the masts.
   
   
2. Lightning conductors shall be composed of continuous tape or wire having a section of not less than #4 AWG which shall be attached by copper rivets or clamps to a copper spike not less than 13 mm in diameter, projecting at least 150 mm above the top of the mast; the copper tape or wire shall be run to terminate at a lightning conductor plate of area not less than 0.2 m², fixed to the keel below the light water line so as to be fully immersed under all conditions of heel.
   
   
3. No grounding conductor shall be attached to the lightning conductor plate.
   
   
4. The lightning conductor plate shall be separate from and in addition to the copper plate for terminating the grounding conductor.

18.1.5 Electrical Equipment

1. Electrical appliances, accessories and fittings shall comply with the relevant requirements of rules or codes or the Canadian Standards Association.
   
   
2. Electrical equipment shall be of a type suitable for the location and the environment and shall be positioned so as not to be unnecessarily exposed to mechanical damage; light fixtures are to have globes or guards.
   
   
3. Electrical apparatus shall not be installed where explosive or flammable gases or flammable vapors are liable to accumulate or where risk of explosion might arise unless the apparatus is of the certified safe type.
   
   
4. Electrical distribution panels and electrical equipment shall be located in accessible well ventilated locations protected from rain and spray; where necessary, drip-proof equipment shall be provided.

18.1.6 Batteries

1. Batteries shall be located in a compartment, locker or box reserved solely for that purpose; they shall not be located in accommodation spaces.
   
   
2. Batteries shall not be tapped for voltage other than the total voltage of all the cells comprising the battery.
   
   
3. Batteries shall be so located that gas generated in charging will be readily dissipated by natural or mechanical ventilation.
   
   
4. Batteries shall be accessibly located, provided with suitable supports, and secured against movement arising from the motion of the vessel.
   
   
5. Alkaline and lead-acid batteries shall not be installed in the same compartment.
   
   
6. Batteries shall be located in a liquid-tight tray or liquid-tight box of adequate capacity to retain normal spillage or boil over of the electrolyte; the liquid-tight tray or box shall be constructed of, or lined with materials resistant to deterioration by the electrolyte.
   
   
7. A non-conductive, perforated cover or other suitable means shall be provided to prevent accidental shorting of battery terminals.
   
   
8. Batteries with metal cell containers shall be assembled in non-conductive trays having suitable insulating cell supports; provision shall be made to prevent other conductive materials that could cause a short-circuit from coming in contact with the cell containers.
   
   
9. Where batteries are used as the primary power source, the battery capacity shall be at least 50 per cent greater than the essential load on a 10-hour discharge rate.
   
   
10. Indication shall be provided that the battery is being maintained in a state of charge.

18.1.7 Cables

1. All cables shall have stranded copper conductors, a protective covering of either watertight metallic sheath or impervious nonmetallic sheath, compatible with the insulation and be rated for at least 75^oC service.
   
   
2. Portable cords or portable cables shall not be used for fixed wiring.
   
   
3. Cables shall be effectively supported and secured in order to prevent chafing or other damage; on wood, fiber reinforced plastic or composite vessels the cables shall be run in metal trays, or shall be secured by clips or straps of non-ferrous, heat resistant material; staples shall not be used for this purpose.
   
   
4. Cables shall be routed as high as possible above the bilge with prime consideration given to the protection of the wiring from mechanical and heat damage.
   
   
5. Exposed wiring subject to mechanical damage shall be protected by conduit or other equivalent means.
   
   
6. Cables terminating in equipment capable of generating high temperatures such as lighting fixtures, shall be suitable for operation at the temperature of the equipment.

18.1.8 Switchboards and Distribution Panels

1. Switchboards and electrical distribution panels shall be located in accessible well-ventilated locations protected from rain and spray; where necessary, panels shall be provided with a drip shield.
   
   
2. Switchboards and other electrical panels or junction boxes located adjacent to weather decks or in open cockpits shall be enclosed or protected from deck wash.
   
   
3. Switchboards shall be so installed that no pipes or tanks are above them within the same space; where piping in unavoidable, pipes shall be without joints in such positions.
   
   
4. Switchboard bus-bar supports shall be of substantial and durable construction and shall be capable of withstanding electromechanical stresses which may arise from short-circuit faults; all panels shall be of substantial construction to withstand vibration and hinged panels and doors of dead front switchboards shall be provide with positioners and stops.
   
   
5. Bus-bars and their connections shall be of copper, all connections being made so as to inhibit corrosion; aluminum bus shall be submitted to the Regional Director for special consideration.

18.1.9 Distribution

1. Joints and connections in all electrical conductors shall be mechanically and electrically secure and made only in conjunction or outlet boxes.
   
   
2. Joints shall be capable of withstanding the vibration and movement encountered in normal service.
   
   
3. Metal alloys used shall be corrosion-resistant and galvanically compatible with copper conductors.
   
   
4. With the exception of the thread cutting type of connector, twist-on type connectors shall not be used for making joints in cables.
   
   
5. Lamp holders shall be constructed wholly of flame-retardant and non-hydroscopic material and supports of live parts should be noncombustible material.
   
   
6. Lamps which are exposed to the weather, spray and drip shall be enclosed in weatherproof fittings.
   
   
7. Navigation lights control, supply and protection shall be as follows:
   1. sidelights, masthead, anchor and stern lights shall be controlled by an indicator panel located in an accessible position under control of the officer of the watch;
   2. each light shall be controlled and protected in each insulated pole by a switch and fuse or circuit breaker mounted on the indicator panel referred to in subparagraph (i);
   3. each such light shall be provided with an automatic indicator which gives aural or visual warning, or both, in the event of extinction of the light and if,
      - an aural device alone is used, it shall be connected to a separate source of supply, or
      - a visual signal is used which is connected in series with the light, means shall be provided to prevent the extinction of the light due to the failure of the visual signal;
      
      
   4. provision shall be made on the indicator panel for navigation lights to be transferred to the respective alternate lamp by means of a suitable selector switch;
   5. provision shall be made on the bridge to select an alternative main supply circuit by means of a transfer switch located at the indicator panel;
   6. the alternate supply to the navigation lights control panel shall be connected directly to an emergency source of supply, the primary supply shall be connected to the main distribution panel.
   
   
8. On vessels where the condition of the navigation lights can be observed from the maneuvering position, automatic indication of light failure need not be provided.
   
   
9. The emergency source of supply for the navigation lights shall have a capacity for at least 3 hours illumination.
   
   
10. The drop in voltage from the switchboard to every point on the installation when the conductors are carrying the maximum service shall not exceed:
    1. for lighting circuits, 5 per cent of the nominal voltage; and
    2. for mains and power circuits; 2 per cent of the nominal voltage.

18.2 Electrical Systems of 55 Volts or Over ^

18.2.1 Electrical systems of 55 volts or over shall conform to the "Ship Safety Electrical Standard" TP 127E.

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