World Class Catamarans
3-3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system on your catamaran consists of three major components: the battery
system, wiring and circuit protection, and accessories. It is important that you understand the
principles of the electrical system, so that you can protect the components and troubleshoot any
problems you experience.
BATTERY SYSTEM
Your World Cat is equipped with three batteries, excluding the 330 TE which has four. Two
of the batteries are dedicated as “cranking batteries”; the third bank controls the DC accessories
and is commonly referred to as the “house” bank. To help maintain your batteries, a manage-
ment system is installed on your boat. This system, controlled by the panel shown below,
enables you to engage or disconnect the batteries, distribute electrical charge, and parallel bat-
teries in the event of a failure. Chapter 5 of this manual will provide details regarding the loca-
tion and wiring of your batteries and management panel.
BATTERY DISTRIBUTION
The drawing above illustrates the normal operating position for the battery management
panel. The “PORT START”, “STBD START”, and “HOUSE” switches as well as the “DC
MAIN” breaker are in the “ON” position and the “EMERG PARALLEL” is “OFF”. In this posi-
tion, you are supplying power to the engines through the cranking leads and to the DC
accessories through the 50 Amp “DC MAIN” breaker. When you have finished your trip,
turn the “PORT START”, “STBD START” and “HOUSE” switches off prior to leaving the
boat. The “DC MAIN” can remain “ON” at all times.
stbd
start
emerg
parallel
port
start
dc main
HOUSE
fwd. stbd.
float switch
fwd. port
float switch
WINCH
BREAKER
PLUG
aft port
float switch
aft stbd.
float switch
ESSENTIAL CIRCUIT 24 HR. SUPPLY
10A
10A
10A
10A
VSR LED
INDICATOR
VSR LED
INDICATOR
SAMPLE OF A BATTERY MANAGEMENT PANEL FROM A 330 TE
