Chip,
Nice diagram. Devoting time and effort to planning always yields a better outcome.
My thoughts and questions....
Are you planning to run new wiring for systems and pumps (propane, water heater, macerator, potable water pump, bilge pumps, etc.). Will these be on a separate drawing?
12V Outlets -
We found we use these frequently and in various locations aboard. These outlets power / charge many devices these days - phones, tablets, laptops, handheld GPS, portable SSB radio receiver, headlamps, toothbrushes, etc. We plan to install a single 12V outlet in the cockpit, a single in the galley, a double at the Nav Station, a single at the forward end of the star salon seat / berth, a double atop the star wardrobe in the vee berth. The outlets near berths are important b/c people typically charge devices at night. Additionally we use a handheld GPS for our anchor drag alarm. Having a outlet near our berth ensures we will hear the alarm and that the GPS does not loose power overnight.
Interior Light Wiring -
I anticipate that all future interior lighting will be LED. On small to medium sailing vessels I split the interior lighting into a least two circuits / zones (e.g. port & star or fore and aft). Larger vessels with multiple distinct cabins are split into additional zones. Often engine compartments or other enclosed spaces (i.e. lazurette, cockpit lockers, anchor lockers) will have a separate circuit for the light. This is done so that lights in these areas are not accidentally left on 24/7. The number of lights in a circuit will need to be accounted for when you choose a wire size. I typically use 16 ga wire for interior lighting. This is over-sized for most LED lighting circuits, but will accommodate the load if a future owner/project uses the circuit to install a cabin fan, 12V outlet, or device with a small load.
Interior Light Placement -
- Recommend either overhead or port & star side wall lights in engine compartment. My preference is side wall lights as this set up leaves fewer dark, shaded areas when working on engine.
- Recommend light in passage between star lockers and head door. This can be overhead or mounted on midship wall. This will provide light when going through items in lockers.
- Recommend overhead light in just inside the fwd cabin. This will provide light for lockers / drawers on starboard side.
- Recommend all overhead lighting and nav station lighting be bi-color. The ability to illuminate the cabin in red (or other color that promotes night vision) is important safety feature. This is true for all vessels. Even if you do not plan on overnight passages, there will be times when you need to work at night due to storms, other vessels dragging anchor, etc.
Running Lights -
Due to importance of these lights, longer wire runs, and more common use of incandescent bulbs I typically use 14ga or 12ga wire for these circuits. If planning to do any overnight passages, I strongly recommend a mast head tricolor light. The tricolor needs to be on a separate circuit than the lower running lights as they are not intended to be illuminated at the same time.
GFCI Outlets -
If the first outlet in a series circuit is GFCI, then all outlets "downstream" of this initial outlet will be GFCI protected. You only need to purchase one GFCI outlet for each circuit.
Hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have questions about my reply.
