This recommended practice covers the requirements of magnetic or thermal circuit breakers for use in marine applications for 50 V DC or less.

Purpose

The purpose of this recommended practice is to ensure that the specified protection device will reliably provide overcurrent protection.

General

Circuit protection devices will normally be mounted in either enclosed accommodation spaces, open cockpits, or engine spaces. Environmental requirements differ depending upon the mounting location. Manufacturer's rating for ambient temperature variation should be considered when choosing a circuit breaker. Additionally, the electrical circuit parameters may vary and consideration must be given to available short circuit current, as well as system voltage, to ensure reliable repetitive operation of the circuit breaker under fault conditions. There are also general mechanical and electrical requirements such as shock/vibration and temperature which must be evaluated to ensure that the device is suitable for electrical service in a marine application.

Rationale

This standard was reviewed and contains minor editorial corrections from the previous published version.