Newport Diesel Heater Draft Assist Fan
- Action: To Do List item A0153 - Rewire diesel heater circuit and include proper rated protective fuses.
- Completed: 12 April 2018
- Cost: $7.60
The Dickinson Marine Natural Draft Diesel Heater Operating and Installation Instruction Manual was reviewed for manufacture recommendations and instructions. It stated in section 8, "Whenever possible, ensure a weatherproof connection between wires with solder or the appropriate connectors with 18awg wire."
The manufacture recommended use of solder is counter to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) paragraph 9.14.7 and American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standard E-11 AC and DC Electrical Systems, paragraph 11.14.3.7 – "Solder shall not be the sole means of mechanical connection in any circuit." The manufacture recommended use of 18 AWG wire is counter to ABYC standard E-11, paragraph 11.14.1.1.2 - "Conductors shall be at least 16 AWG." and NFPA paragraph 10.13.7 - "Conductors, other than those contained completely within equipment or enclosures, shall be at least No. 16 AWG."
The following diagram depicts the wiring installation using 16 AWG wires and heat shrinkable mechanical splices.
First, the old wires to the diesel heater fan were removed. A piece of teak wood trim held in place by four screws was removed that surrounded the diesel input and return copper tubing lines; as it also had a hole for the routing of the wire.
The new 16/2 AWG sheathed duplex wire, about 10 feet ($3.60) was routed from the fuse block in the hanging locker opposite the head, down through the floor boards, across the top of the water tank, through a hole in the floor support brace, following the routing of the copper tubing. A piece of stiff wire was used to fish it up through the floor boards and then it was threaded through the hole in the teak wood trim piece.
The 16/2 AWG sheathed duplex wire was connected to the diesel heater input wiring with two heat shrinkable inline butt splices ($1.00) and secured to the base of the heater drip trap with tie straps.
The opposite end of the 16/2 AWG sheathed duplex wire was connected to the fuse block with two #8 ring heat shrinkable splices ($1.00) with a 1 amp protective fuse ($2.00). Final clamping and securing the wire harnesses will be accomplished after all additional circuits are connected.
The diesel heater fan operation was checked and it still worked, both on/off and variable speed.
