An overview of a ship’s electrical system is presented and describes various types of circuit diagrams used in electrical work. Electrical calculations, safety precautions, circuit diagrams and testing methods are outlined together with a description of general electrical maintenance and fault finding techniques.
The electrical power system on board ship is designed to provide a secure supply to all loads with adequate built-in protection for the equipment and operating personnel.
The general scheme of a ship’s electrical power system is common to nearly all ships.
The main a.c. generators (sometimes called alternators) produce the electrical power. It is supplied to the main switchboard and then distributed to the various auxiliary services comprising the electrical load. An emergency generator and emergency switchboard maintain supplies in the event of a main power failure
