ABYC A-31 July 2020

Electrical Division Standard

Electrical Component Project Technical
Committee

The ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft are the product of a consensus of
representatives of government, industry, and public sectors. It is intended solely as a guide to aid manufacturers and
the marine community in the design, construction, equipage, and maintenance of small craft.
ABYC reviews each standard at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or withdrawn. ABYC
welcomes any written comments on the standards and technical information reports.

ABYC A-31

BATTERY CHARGERS AND INVERTERS

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Origin and Development

ABYC A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters is a result of combining standards A-20, Battery Charging Devices and
A-25, Power Inverters. ABYC first published A-31 in 2005 and revised it in 2010 and 2015. The 2020 edition of the
standard is the work of the Electrical Component Project Technical Committee.

Electrical Component Project Technical Committee

This list represents the membership at the time the committee was balloted.
Denis Bonneau, Chair
James Coté, Vice Chair

Scott Berry William Drake John Lach

Andy Brown Ward Eshleman Tom Marhevko
Po Chang Kim Horn Vinod Mehta
Jay Check Charles Johnson Aida Nichols
David DeHorn Wayne Kelsoe Dave Potter

Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of ABYC or any document developed
by the committee on which the member serves.
This standard, which is the result of extended and careful consideration of available knowledge and experience on the
subject, was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National Standards and is
intended to provide minimum performance requirements. The Project Technical Committee that approved the standard
was balanced to ensure that individuals from competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate.
ABYC’s Project Technical Committee (PTC) meetings are open to the public. All inquiries regarding standards
activity, interpretations, or meeting attendance should be directed to the ABYC Technical Department at
comments@abycinc.org.
ABYC and its committees do not “approve” or “endorse” any item, construction, or proprietary device.

Request for Interpretations

Upon written request, the Electrical Component PTC will render an interpretation of any requirement of the standard.
The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. Requests should be presented to the PTC in a manner
in which they may be answered in a “Yes” or “No” fashion.
The committee reserves the right to reconsider any interpretation when or if additional information that might affect it
becomes available to the PTC. Persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the committee for reinterpretation.

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Summary of Revisions
This list indicates revisions to the standard when compared with the previously published version. It is not intended to
be used independently of the standard. It should be used for informational purposes and as a guide to the official
requirements contained in this standard. It is the responsibility of the user to read and understand the complete
standard.

The main changes in this revision of A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters as compared with the previous edition dated
7/15, are:

Scope and Purpose were combined

Scope was harmonized with ABYC E-11, AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats
Units of Measure section was added
Definitions were modified and added
Appendix - AC Ripple Current in DC Feeders to Inverters was added

DISCLAIMER
ABYC technical board rules provide that all reports, including standards and technical information reports, are advisory
only. Their use is entirely voluntary. They represent, as of the date of publication, the consensus of knowledgeable
persons currently active in the field of small craft on performance objectives that contribute to small boat safety.
The American Boat & Yacht Council assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the use of, or failure to use, standards
or technical information reports promulgated by it, their adaptation to any processes of a user, or any consequences
flowing therefrom.
Prospective users of the standards and technical information reports are responsible for protecting themselves against
liability for infringement of patents. The American Boat & Yacht Council Standards and Technical Information Reports
are used to achieve a specific level of design or performance, and are not intended to preclude attainment of desired
results by other means.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

31.1 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................ 1

31.2 UNITS OF MEASURE......................................................................................................... 1
31.3 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 1
31.4 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................... 2
31.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 3
31.6 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION ...................................................................................... 5
31.7 WIRING CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................... 6
31.8 MARKINGS ......................................................................................................................... 8
31.9 OWNER/OPERATOR’S MANUALS ................................................................................. 10
FIGURE 1 - Typical Battery Charger Installation .............................................................. 10
FIGURE 2 - Typical Inverter Installation With External AC Transfer Switch ..................... 11
FIGURE 3 - Typical Inverter/Charger Installation With Internal Transfer To All
AC Loads ..................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 4 - Typical Inverter/Charger With Internal Transfer To a Split Bus System ....... 13
APPENDIX - AC Ripple Current in DC Feeders to Inverters ............................................ 14

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A-31 BATTERY CHARGERS AND INVERTERS

Based on ABYC's assessment of the existing technology, and the problems associated with achieving the goals of this
standard, ABYC recommends compliance with this standard for all boats, associated equipment, and systems
manufactured after July 31, 2021.

31.1 SCOPE

This standard addresses the design, construction, and installation of permanently installed marine alternating current
(AC) battery chargers, power inverters, and inverter/chargers.

31.1.1 This standard applies to permanently installed marine battery chargers powered by less than 300 VAC
providing current at a potential of 60 VDC or less, and

31.1.2 permanently installed DC to AC marine inverters supplying less than 300 VAC at a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz,
and

31.1.3 permanently installed inverter/chargers operating in accordance with A-31.1.1 and A-31.1.2.

NOTE: This standard does not apply to devices intended to supply DC loads without a battery.

31.2 UNITS OF MEASURE

Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or approximate.

31.3 REFERENCES

The following references form a part of this standard. Unless otherwise noted the latest version of the referenced
standards shall apply.

31.3.1 ABYC - American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc, 613 Third Street, Suite 10, Annapolis, MD 21403. Phone: (410)
990-4460. Fax (410) 990-4466. Website: www.abycinc.org

ABYC A-1, Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems

ABYC A-22, Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems
ABYC A-32, AC Power Conversion Equipment and Systems
ABYC C-1500, Ignition Protection for Marine Products
ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats
ABYC H-24, Gasoline Fuel Systems
ABYC T-5, Safety Signs and Labels

31.3.2 CFR - Code of Federal Regulations and other government publications. May be obtained from the
Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Information, PO Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.
Phone: (202) 512-1800. Fax: (202) 512-2104. Website: www.ecfr.gov. An excerpted edition of the CFR is also available
from ABYC, Inc.

33 CFR 183.410

31.3.3 IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembe, PO Box 131, CH – 1211 GENEVA 20,
Switzerland. Phone: +41 22 919 0211. Fax: +41 22 919 0300. Website: www.iec.ch

IEC Standard 60529, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures, Type IP65

31.3.4 NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturer's Association, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA
22209. Phone: (703) 841-3200. Fax: (703) 841-5900. Website: www.nema.org

NEMA Standard 250, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 V Maximum), Type 4X

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31.3.5 SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096. Phone: (724) 776-4841. Website:
www.sae.org

SAE J1171, External Ignition Protection of Marine Electrical Devices

31.3.6 UL - Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096. Obtain standards from
Global Engineering Documents, Inc, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112. Phone: (800) 854-7179 (US and
Canada), (303) 397-7956 (outside US and Canada). Fax: (303) 397-2740. Website: www.ul.com

UL 458, Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine
Crafts
UL 458, Supplement SA, Marine Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems
UL 1236, Battery Chargers for Charging Engine-Starter Batteries, Supplement SB - Marine Battery Chargers
UL 1248, Engine-Generator Assemblies for Use in Recreational Vehicles

31.4 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.

31.4.1 AC Grounding Conductor (green or green with a yellow stripe) - a normally noncurrent carrying conductor
used to connect the metallic noncurrent carrying parts of AC electrical equipment to the AC grounding bus, engine
negative terminal or its bus, and to the source ground.

NOTE: The source of electrical power may be the shore AC power, an inverter, an isolation transformer, or a
generator.

31.4.2 Accessible - capable of being reached for inspection, removal, or maintenance without removal of permanent
boat structure.

31.4.3 Automatically Controlled - controlled within the design specifications and parameters with no operator
intervention.

31.4.4 Battery Charger - a device designed primarily to charge and maintain a charge of a battery, or batteries,
supplying DC loads.

31.4.5 Composite RMS Current - heating equivalent of a current that contains both DC and AC components.

31.4.6 DC Grounded Conductor - a current carrying conductor connected to the side of the power source that is
intentionally maintained at boat ground potential.

31.4.7 DC Grounding Conductor - a normally noncurrent carrying conductor used to connect metallic noncurrent
carrying parts of direct current devices to the engine negative terminal, or its bus.

31.4.8 Independent Laboratory - a laboratory that:

31.4.8.1 is engaged, as a regular part of its business, in performing periodic inspections and tests that are the same
as, or similar to, the inspections and qualification tests required for the equipment or material being evaluated;

31.4.8.2 has, or has access to, the apparatus, facilities, personnel, and calibrated instruments that are necessary to
inspect and test the equipment or material being evaluated; and

31.4.8.3 is not owned or controlled by:

31.4.8.3.1 the manufacturer, vendor, or supplier of the materials to be tested; or

31.4.8.3.2 the manufacturer, vendor, or supplier for similar products to the tested materials.

31.4.9 Inverter - a device that provides AC from a DC source, at a required voltage and frequency.

31.4.10 Inverter/Charger - a device incorporating the elements of both an inverter and a battery charger inside the
same unit.

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31.4.11 Pre-Wired Battery Charger - a battery charger supplied with an AC cable with a grounding AC plug and DC
output cables equipped with appropriate overcurrent protection and ring terminals.

31.4.12 Readily Accessible - capable of being reached quickly and safely for effective use under emergency conditions
without the use of tools.

31.4.13 Self-Limiting - a characteristic of a battery charger or inverter/charger where the maximum output is restricted
to a specified value by its magnetic or electrical characteristics.

NOTES:
1. The output remains at a value or will automatically decrease to a value such that it will not damage the
battery charger or inverter/charger after application of a short circuit at the output terminals.
2. The output current will not exceed the ampacity of the conductor that is specified for connection to the
battery charger or inverter/charger by the manufacturer.

31.4.14 Shunt - a conductor of known resistance placed in series with a circuit to indicate the current flow by
measurement of the voltage drop across this conductor.

31.4.15 Watertight - constructed so that water will not enter the enclosure under the test conditions specified in NEMA
Standard 250, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 V Maximum), Type 4X, or IEC Standard 60529, Degrees of
Protection Provided by Enclosures, Type IP65.

31.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

31.5.1 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall be tested by an independent laboratory to establish
compliance with this standard.

31.5.2 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall:

31.5.2.1 be supplied with an installation and operation manual,

31.5.2.2 be designed to operate at an ambient temperature of 122°F (50°C) and to withstand an ambient temperature
of 158°F (70°C),

31.5.2.3 be automatically controlled, and

31.5.2.4 have grommets, bushings, or other means to prevent chafing of wires passing through the case.

31.5.3 Battery Chargers

31.5.3.1 Battery chargers shall meet the requirements of UL 1236, Battery Chargers for Charging Engine-Starter
Batteries, and the requirements of Supplement SB - Marine Battery Chargers.

31.5.3.2 The charger shall clearly indicate the status of the charging process through an indicator or ammeter.

31.5.3.3 Each ungrounded DC output conductor shall be provided with overcurrent protection within the charger,
based on the maximum output, or the charger manufacturer shall provide instructions to install the overcurrent
protection device within seven inches (177.8 mm) of the charger and label the charger accordingly.

EXCEPTION: Self-limiting battery chargers.

31.5.3.4 The battery charger’s DC negative terminal and DC negative output conductor shall not be connected to
the battery charger case or chassis at the battery charger itself (see ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on
Boats).

31.5.3.5 PRE-W IRED BATTERY CHARGERS

31.5.3.5.1 The ungrounded external DC conductor(s) of pre-wired battery chargers shall be equipped with an
overcurrent protection device within seven inches (177.8 mm) of the termination of connection to the DC system or to
the battery conductor or in accordance with ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

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31.5.3.5.2 External DC conductor(s) of pre-wired battery chargers shall be terminated with ring terminals (see ABYC
E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats).

31.5.3.5.3 The operation manual for a pre-wired battery charger shall include specific safety instructions on
connecting to an AC source, including how to safely connect the plug in the boat.

31.5.3.6 ISOLATION OF HIGH AND LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS

31.5.3.6.1 High voltage (i.e., 120 V or 240 V) and low voltage (e.g., output voltages) shall be electrically isolated
from each other by one or more of the following methods:

31.5.3.6.1.1 for linear and ferro-resonant type chargers, a metallic shield located between the high and low voltage
circuit, and connected to the boat's AC grounding (green wire) system; and/or

31.5.3.6.1.2 insulation and gap.

EXCEPTION: Chargers having an integral ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in the AC input circuit.

31.5.3.6.2 If a metallic shield is used to meet the requirements of A-31.5.3.6.1, the shield shall be located between
the high voltage and low voltage circuit, shall be of sufficient ampacity to provide a sustained fault current path for the
high voltage windings, and shall be connected to the boat's AC grounding (green wire) system.

31.5.3.6.3 If insulation and gap are used to meet the requirements of A-31.5.3.6.1, the insulation and gap between
the high and low voltage circuits shall withstand a high potential test of 1500 V, 60 Hz, for one minute.

31.5.4 Inverters

31.5.4.1 Output voltage and frequency shall comply with ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

EXCEPTION: Inverters dedicated to supplying power to only a specific piece of equipment.

31.5.4.2 All marine power inverters shall meet the applicable requirements of UL 458, Power Converters/Inverters
and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts, and Supplement SA, Marine Power
Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems.

31.5.4.3 The frequency and voltage regulation shall comply with section 27 of UL 1248, Engine-Generator Assembly
for Use in Recreational Vehicles.

31.5.4.4 Power inverters shall provide isolation of the AC output from the DC supply circuit.

31.5.4.5 Integral inverter receptacle(s) shall be protected by an integral GFCI device in accordance with ABYC E-
11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

31.5.5 Inverter/Chargers

31.5.5.1 Devices that serve as both battery chargers and inverters shall meet the requirements of both battery
chargers and inverters (see A-31.5.3 and A-31.5.4).

EXCEPTION: An inverter incorporating a battery charging circuit that meets UL 458, Power
Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine
Crafts, and Supplement SB, Marine Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter
Systems, need not meet UL 1236, Battery Chargers for Charging Engine-Starter Batteries,
and the requirements of Supplement SB - Marine Battery Chargers. as referenced in
A-31.5.3.1.

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31.6 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION

31.6.1 Battery chargers, inverters, or inverter/chargers shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

31.6.2 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall be installed:

31.6.2.1 in a ventilated, accessible location which meets the manufacturer's environmental requirements for
humidity, and water intrusion protection;

31.6.2.2 where the ambient temperature will not exceed 122°F (50°C) during battery charger operation and will not
exceed 158°F (70°C), otherwise; and

31.6.2.3 away from heat sources, such as dry engine exhaust manifolds and other heat producing devices.

31.6.3 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall:

31.6.3.1 have accessible controls,

31.6.3.2 be located so that hinged covers and access plates can be opened,

31.6.3.3 be securely fastened to bulkheads or other suitable vessel parts, and

31.6.3.4 be mounted at least 24 in (609 mm) above the normal accumulation of bilge water, or protected so they are
not subject to bilge splash.

EXCEPTION: Units that are waterproof.

31.6.4 Inverters and inverter/chargers shall include a visible means (e.g., voltmeter or visual indication) of determining
at the AC main electrical distribution panel that the inverter is “on line” and/or in “stand by” mode.

31.6.5 Physical protection from falling objects or drippage shall be provided unless such provision is integral to
the unit.

31.6.6 To avoid corrosive fumes, battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall not be installed directly over
lead-acid batteries.

31.6.7 Battery chargers, inverters, or inverter/chargers installed in spaces requiring ignition protection shall meet the
ignition protection requirements of ABYC C-1500, Ignition Protection for Marine Products or SAE J1171, External
Ignition Protection of Marine Electrical Devices (see A-31.8 for labeling requirements).

NOTE: For information on spaces requiring ignition protected equipment, see 33 CFR 183.410; ABYC A-1,
Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems; ABYC A-22, Marine Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) Systems; ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats; and ABYC H-24, Gasoline
Fuel Systems.

31.6.8 Battery Chargers

31.6.8.1 Battery chargers shall be selected and set or adjusted to charge the battery at the current and voltage
appropriate for the size and type of battery or battery bank(s).

NOTE: For load calculations and reserve capacity, see ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

31.6.8.2 Each ungrounded DC conductor shall be provided with overcurrent protection at the point of connection to
the DC electrical system or to the battery, per ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

NOTE: Pre-wired battery chargers with isolated outputs may have both DC positive and DC negative
ungrounded, which would require overcurrent protection in the DC negative lead.

31.6.8.3 If a remote ammeter is provided with a shunt in a positive conductor, the conductors to the meter shall have
overcurrent protection at the shunt based on the size of the conductors supplying the remote ammeter.

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31.6.9 Inverters

31.6.9.1 If ground fault circuit interruption is provided in the output of the inverter, the ground fault interrupter shall
not be located in a compartment requiring ignition protection, unless it is ignition protected as provided in ABYC C-
1500, Ignition Protection for Marine Products or SAE J-1171, External Ignition Protection of Marine Electrical Devices.

31.6.9.2 An inverter that does not have an integral ground fault protection device and is installed so that GFCI
protection is required by ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats shall have the required GFCI device(s)
specified by the inverter manufacturer as to GFCI manufacturer and model number.

NOTE: Harmonic distortion of the AC output waveform from some inverters may affect the operation of some
GFCI devices.

31.7 WIRING CONNECTIONS

31.7.1 Strain relief shall be provided for all wiring passing through the battery charger, inverter, and inverter/charger
case to relieve strain on terminals, splices, or internal wiring. Unless a strain relief method is integral with the case for
wiring passing through, a means to achieve strain relief shall be installed within six inches (152 mm) of the case.

31.7.2 The connection area and method shall be adequate to accommodate the conductor specified by the
manufacturer.

31.7.3 DC and AC connections shall be protected to prevent accidental contact.

31.7.4 DC Connections

31.7.4.1 All DC wiring and connections shall comply with the requirements of ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical
Systems on Boats.

31.7.4.2 DC conductor terminals or conductors shall be labeled as follows:

31.7.4.2.1 DC+, or POS, or +, or a red jacketed wire,

31.7.4.2.2 DC-, or NEG, or -, or a yellow jacketed, or a black jacketed wire.

31.7.4.3 The DC negative conductor between the engine negative terminal, or its bus, and the battery negative
terminal shall be of an ampacity at least equal to that of the battery charger, inverter, or inverter/charger DC positive
conductor.

31.7.5 DC Grounding Connections

31.7.5.1 The DC grounding conductor (see FIGURE 1, FIGURE 2, FIGURE 3, and FIGURE 4) shall:

31.7.5.1.1 be connected from the metallic case or chassis to the engine negative terminal or its bus, and

31.7.5.1.2 shall be of an ampacity equal to that of the DC positive conductor.

EXCEPTION: The DC grounding conductor may be one size smaller than the minimum size conductor
required for the DC current-carrying conductors (see ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical
Systems on Boats, “Allowable Amperage of Conductors For Systems Under 60 Volts”)
providing the overcurrent protection device in the DC positive conductor is rated no greater
than 135% of the ampacity of the DC grounding conductor and the conductor is no smaller
than 16 AWG.

NOTE: The DC grounding conductor is not necessary if the case is made of plastic or nonconductive material
and the case completely isolates the DC conductors from any grounded metallic internal parts, and
there are no grounded metal parts the ungrounded DC terminal could contact.

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31.7.6 AC Connections

31.7.6.1 All AC wiring and connections shall conform to ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

EXCEPTION: The input connections to pre-wired chargers that are the only AC powered device on board are
not required to comply with the shore power requirements as specified in ABYC E-11, AC and
DC Electrical Systems on Boats, E-11.6.2.2.

31.7.6.2 Provision shall be made to permit the connection of three or more conductors, in accordance with ABYC
E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats. These terminals or conductors shall be labeled (e.g., L1, L2, G, N).

31.7.6.2.1 The connection area and method shall be adequate to accommodate the conductor specified by the
manufacturer.

31.7.6.3 AC connections shall be protected to prevent accidental contact.

EXCEPTIONS:
1. Receptacle wiring device connected outputs.
2. Pre-wired battery chargers.

31.7.7 AC Grounding Connections

31.7.7.1 The AC grounding conductor (green or green/yellow wire) shall be connected to the battery charger, inverter
or inverter/charger in a manner so that the AC grounding connection will not be disconnected in servicing.

EXCEPTION: Pre-wired battery chargers.

31.7.8 Pre-Wired Battery Chargers

31.7.8.1 Pre-wired battery chargers shall:

31.7.8.1.1 be supplied with an AC flexible cord meeting the requirements of ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical
Systems on Boats,

31.7.8.1.2 be equipped with a connection point for the DC grounding connection as specified in A-31.7.5,

31.7.8.1.3 have a 120 VAC 15 amp grounding plug, and

31.7.8.1.4 have a label conforming with A-31.8.5.4 located on the cord near the plug or near the plug housing if the
label on the cord is not readily visible.

31.7.8.2 The connecting AC plug shall be located at least 24 in (609 mm) from any gasoline fuel tank vent.

31.7.9 Inverters and Inverter Chargers

31.7.9.1 ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats requires a grounded neutral system. The neutral for
AC power sources shall be grounded only at the following points:

31.7.9.1.1 the shore power neutral is grounded through the shore power cable and shall not be grounded on board
the boat; and

31.7.9.1.2 the inverter output neutral shall be grounded at the inverter; and

31.7.9.1.3 the inverter/charger output neutral shall be grounded at the inverter/charger only when the device is the
AC power source.

EXCEPTION: On systems using an isolation transformer or a polarization transformer, the inverter or

inverter/charger neutral and the transformer secondary neutral may be grounded at the main
AC grounding bus instead of at the inverter or inverter/charger.

31.7.9.5 If an inverter (inverter/charger) and any other source(s) of AC can supply a branch circuit or receptacle,
then the transfer from one power source circuit to another shall be made by a means that opens one source circuit

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before closing the alternate source circuit, preventing arc-over or feedback between sources (see FIGURE 2,
FIGURE 3, and FIGURE 4).

EXCEPTION: Equipment and systems meeting the requirements of ABYC A-32, AC Power Conversion
Equipment and Systems.

31.7.9.6 The transfer switch (e.g., switch gear) shall be protected against overcurrent.

31.7.9.7 The current rating of the transfer switch (e.g., switch gear) shall be at least equivalent to the ampacity of the
branch circuit feeding the transfer switch.

31.7.9.8 Inverter (inverter/charger) integral switching shall switch:

31.7.9.8.1 all ungrounded conductors, and

31.7.9.8.2 the grounded (neutral) conductor from ground.

31.7.9.9 The inverter’s or inverter/charger’s negative terminal and DC grounded (negative) conductor shall not be
connected to the inverter case or chassis at the inverter or inverter/charger itself (see FIGURE 2, FIGURE 3, and
FIGURE 4 and ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats).

31.8 MARKINGS

31.8.1 General

31.8.1.1 Safety signs and labels shall comply with ABYC T-5, Safety Signs and Labels, and shall contain at least the
following informational elements:

31.8.1.1.1 the signal word for the hazard intensity level,

31.8.1.1.2 the nature of the hazard,

31.8.1.1.3 the consequences that can result if the instructions to avoid the hazard are not followed, and

31.8.1.1.4 instructions on how to avoid the hazard.

31.8.2 Labels and Warnings

31.8.2.1 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers that are ignition protected shall be identified by a marking
such as “SAE J1171 Marine,” or “Marine-Ignition Protected,” or “Ignition Protected.”

31.8.2.2 Battery chargers, inverters, and inverter/chargers shall be marked with the following:

31.8.2.2.1 model number, and

31.8.2.2.2 serial number or date of manufacture.

31.8.3 Battery Chargers

31.8.3.1 Battery chargers shall also include, as a minimum, the following additional information on the device:

31.8.3.1.1 input voltage, amperage, and frequency;

31.8.3.1.2 nominal output voltage and current;

31.8.3.1.3 DC output voltage at float or shutoff, if applicable;

31.8.3.1.4 the continuous output current at rated output voltage at the specified input voltage at 77°F (25°C); and

31.8.3.1.5 battery type.

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31.8.4 Inverters

31.8.4.1 Inverters shall also include, as a minimum, the following additional information on the device:

31.8.4.1.1 input voltage and amperage;

31.8.4.1.2 continuous output current at rated voltage;

31.8.4.1.3 nominal output voltage and frequency; and

31.8.4.1.4 surge capability and duration.

31.8.5 Inverter/Chargers

31.8.5.1 If the device is not ignition protected, a warning shall be included in the installation manual.

NOTE: An example of such a warning follows:

WARNING
This device is not ignition protected.
Avoid serious injury or death from fire or explosion.
Do not install in compartments containing gasoline
fueled engines or gasoline tanks, or in areas where
ignition protected equipment is required.

31.8.5.2 All access panels to compartments containing high voltage connections shall be provided with a label that
complies with A-31.8 and contains a warning about high voltage hazards.

NOTE: An example of such a label follows:

WARNING
High Voltage
Avoid serious injury or death from electrical shock.
Disconnect AC shore power and DC battery power
to inverter before opening panel.

31.8.5.3 Access panels to compartments containing low voltage connections shall be provided with a label that
complies with A-31.8 and contains a warning about low voltage hazards.

NOTE: An example of such a label follows:

WARNING
Low Voltage
Avoid injury from electrical burn or sparks.
Disconnect battery power before opening panel.

31.8.5.4 Pre-wired battery chargers shall have a label that is attached to the plug end of the line cord that complies
with A-31.8 and contains information about the hazards associated with the connection procedure.

NOTE: An example of such a label follows:

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WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from fire, explosion, or electrical shock.
This device must be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) protected AC outlet.
When using an extension cord, connect the AC charger plug before connecting to the GFCI protected AC outlet.
Make connection in an open atmosphere free of explosive fumes.
Make cord and connection in a secure manner that will avoid contact with the water.

31.8.6 Inverters and Inverter/Chargers

31.8.6.1 The inverter or inverter/charger manufacturer shall provide a warning label that complies with A-31.8, to be
installed at the boat’s main electrical panel, indicating that there is an inverter installed.

NOTE: An example of such a label follows:

WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Vessel is equipped with a DC to AC power inverter.
Disconnect inverter DC input before servicing
vessel's electrical systems.

31.9 OWNER/OPERATOR’S MANUALS

31.9.1 Sections of this document require inclusion in an Owner/Operator’s Manual (see A-31.5.2.1, A-31.5.3.5.3,
A-31.6.1, and A-31.8.5).

31.9.2 Owner/operator’s manual shall include the manufacturer's name and address.

FIGURE 1 - Typical Battery Charger Installation

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FIGURE 2 - Typical Inverter Installation With External AC Transfer Switch

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FIGURE 3 - Typical Inverter/Charger Installation With Internal Transfer To All AC Loads

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FIGURE 4 - Typical Inverter/Charger With Internal Transfer To a Split Bus System

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APPENDIX - AC Ripple Current in DC Feeders to Inverters

Inverters can impose substantial ripple current in the DC supply current. This current can cause excessive heating of
fuses, switches, wires, and batteries. The ripple current and its effects are not detected by typical DC meters. Composite
RMS current may be determined by taking both a DC measurement and an AC RMS measurement and combining
these as the square root of the sum of the squares of the two individual measurements. The composite RMS current
specified for this device is determined for a full rated AC output into a resistive load taken at the minimum specified DC
operating voltage. High harmonic currents imposed by certain AC loads such as variable frequency drives may cause
the ripple current in the DC source current to further increase. If high harmonic currents in the AC are suspected,
measurements should be made to determine the maximum composite RMS current under actual circumstances.

*****

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