© 2014 SeaStar Solutions
Optimus Installation Manual, Rev. E
4-15
All system wiring and power connections must be made to ABYC
standards. See
ABYC E-11 AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats
.
The Optimus EPS system requires a 12V DC power source, and can
draw a peak current of approximately 40 Amps when the steering is
in heavy use. It is important that the power supply wires are
correctly sized for the load.
typical Source connections
• Direct to the batteries.
• To battery switches.
Never
switch the negative wire.
• To a bus bar or power distribution panel. Ensure that the wire size
from the bus to the batteries is sufficient to handle the peak current
of
all
accessories connected to the bus. Many boats have a positive
and/or negative bus behind the helm or in the center console. These
are typically supplied to handle light accessory loads and usually do
not have sufficient wire size to supply the EPS system. In general,
buses that supply power to vessel electronics such as radar and
GPS are usually not acceptable power sources for the EPS system.
ABYC standards require that all wires carrying positive voltage must
have a circuit protection device within 7” of the power source. The EPS
system requires a 60A circuit breaker that is designed for marine use.
In some installations the 60A circuit breaker may need to be located
more than 7” from the power source. In this case an additional protection
device (breaker or fuse) must be located within 7” of the battery to
protect the intervening wire. The device must be rated based on wire
size, and is usually of a slightly higher current rating than the 60A
breaker. Be sure to factor in the entire wire length from PCM to source
when selecting wire size. Refer to ABYC E-11 for more details.
See figure 4-14 for source connection examples.
wire type and Sizing
Use wire with red insulation for the positive connections, and wire
with black or yellow insulation for the negative connections.
The positive and negative power wires are frequently routed along
different paths. For each wire, determine the length required to
connect from the PCM to the power source or ground, then select
the correct wire size from table 4-5.
wIrE lENgtH from pCm to powEr sourCE
Awg (mm
2
)
< 3.0 meters
< 9.8 feet
6 (13.5)
< 4.5 meters
< 14.7 feet
4 (21)
< 7.5 meters
< 24.6 feet
2 (34)
the optimus epS system is not
designed for 24 volt operation.
damage may occur.
cautIon
4.4.2 Power Connections
Table 4-5.
Single Engine Applications:
Connect power to both sides
of the PCM as shown in this
section. This provides redundant
power to the PCM.
If the boat has only a single
battery you will need to get a
second.
Connect the engine battery to
the port side terminals of the
PCM and the house battery to
the starboard side. The system
will only draw power from the
house battery if the engine
battery is low.
Triple and Quad Engine
Applications:
There are special considerations
when making power connections
on a triple or quad system.
See page 4-17 for information.