Marine & Leisure Electrical Equipment

A Comprehensive Guide to Campervan Conversion Electrics and Solar Panels If you are planning to convert a campervan, one of the most important aspects to consider is the electrical system. A reliable and efficient electrical system will allow you to power your appliances, lights, and devices while you are on the road or off the grid. Moreover, with the rising popularity of solar panels as a sustainable power source for campervans, you can also reduce your reliance on traditional power sources and minimize your environmental impact.In this blog post, we will explain the basics of campervan conversion electrics and solar panels, and recommend some of the best products available from Furneaux Riddall. Understanding Campervan Conversion Electrics The electrical system of a campervan consists of several components, such as batteries, cables, switches, and fuses. The main function of the electrical system is to store and distribute power to the various appliances and devices in your campervan. Shop Batteries and Accessories Online Shop Cables, Terminals and Accessories Online Shop Battery Switches, Relays and Switch Panels Online Shop Fuses and Circuit Breakers Online The most essential component of the electrical system is the battery. The battery is the primary source of power for your campervan, and it needs to be charged regularly to maintain its capacity. There are different types of batteries suitable for campervan conversions, such as deep-cycle batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to withstand repeated cycles of charging and discharging, and they can provide a steady and consistent power output. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more compact than deep-cycle batteries, and they can offer a higher power density and longer lifespan. Another important component of the electrical system is the wiring. The wiring connects the battery to the appliances and devices in your campervan, and it needs to be properly installed and managed to ensure safety and efficiency. The wiring should be of the appropriate size and type for the current and voltage of your electrical system, and it should be protected by switches and fuses to prevent short circuits and overloads. Harnessing Solar Power One of the most popular and eco-friendly ways to charge your campervan battery is by using solar panels. Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity, and they can provide a renewable and clean power source for your campervan. By installing solar panels on your campervan roof, you can harness the free and abundant energy from the sun and reduce your dependence on traditional power sources, such as generators and hook-ups. There are different types and sizes of solar panels available for campervans, depending on your power needs and budget. The most common types of solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline, which are made of silicon cells that generate electricity when exposed to light. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient and durable than polycrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper and lighter than monocrystalline solar panels, but they are also less efficient and more prone to degradation. Shop Solar Panels Online The size of the solar panel determines how much power it can produce, and it is measured in watts. The wattage of the solar panel should match the power consumption of your campervan appliances and devices, and it should also take into account the weather conditions and the orientation of the panel. Generally, the more watts the solar panel has, the more power it can generate, but it also means that the panel will be larger and heavier. Another essential component of the solar power system is the charge controller. The charge controller is a device that regulates and monitors the output of the solar panel, and it ensures that the battery is charged properly and safely. The charge controller prevents the battery from being overcharged or undercharged, and it also protects the battery from reverse polarity and short circuits. The charge controller should be compatible with the type and size of the battery and the solar panel, and it should have a display that shows the status and performance of the system. Recommended Campervan Conversion Electrical Products At Furneaux Riddall, we offer a wide range of campervan conversion electrical products that can help you design and install a reliable and efficient electrical system for your campervan. Some of our recommended products are: Battery Charging Equipment: We have various battery chargers, inverters, and isolators that can help you charge your campervan battery from different power sources, such as the engine, the mains, or the solar panel. Cable Management Solutions: We have various cable clips, ties, glands, and conduits that can help you organize and secure your campervan wiring. Solar Panel Accessories: We have various solar panel mounts, brackets, cables, and connectors that can help you install and connect your solar panel to your campervan roof and battery. Shop Online at Furneaux Riddall Contact Furneaux Riddall or Live Chat Online If you are looking for more information or advice on campervan conversion electrics and solar panels, you can contact our sales team at Furneaux Riddall. Our sales team has the expertise and knowledge to help you choose the best products for your campervan conversion project, and they can also provide you with a free quotation. Conclusion A well-designed electrical system and solar panel integration can make a huge difference in your campervan conversion experience. A reliable and efficient electrical system can provide you with the power you need to run your appliances and devices, while a solar panel can provide you with a renewable and clean power source that can reduce your environmental impact. At Furneaux Riddall, we have the best campervan conversion electrical products and services that can help you achieve your dream campervan. Visit our website today and explore our range of products, or contact our sales team for more information and assistance.

Marine electrical systems are complex and require efficient and reliable connections to ensure optimal performance and safety. One crucial component in these systems is the marine busbar. In this article, we will explore what marine busbars are, their importance, and where you can find them.What Are Marine Bus Bars?A marine busbar serves as a connection point between one power source and multiple branch circuits in a marine electrical system. It consists of a metal strip or bar with multiple terminals or studs where electrical connections can be made. Marine busbars are designed to handle high currents and provide a solid and secure connection for various electrical components on board.Importance of Marine Bus BarsEfficient Power Distribution: Marine bus bars enable the distribution of electrical power from a single source to multiple devices or circuits. This eliminates the need for individual wiring connections and simplifies the installation process.Safety and Reliability: By centralising the electrical connections, marine bus bars help reduce the risk of loose connections or faulty wiring. This enhances the overall safety and reliability of the electrical system on board a vessel.Easy Troubleshooting: With a well-organised and labelled busbar system, troubleshooting electrical issues becomes easier. Technicians can quickly identify and isolate the problematic circuit, minimising downtime and ensuring efficient repairs.ConclusionMarine bus bars play a crucial role in efficiently distributing electrical power and ensuring the safety and reliability of marine electrical systems. By centralising connections and simplifying troubleshooting, these components are essential for smooth sailing.Visit Furneaux Riddall who have a full range of Bus Bars available as well as other Power Distribution equipment.

Is your boat ready for the new season? As we move towards the beginning of spring, it’s time to prepare your boat for its return to the water and ensure the electrical system is ready for the year ahead. It’s good practice to completely inspect the electrical system after your boat has been stored out of the water over the winter, ensuring there is no corrosion, and all devices are working as intended. Below is a list of the electrical devices that should be tested, and some suggested improvements you can make while we wait for the warmer weather!   Inspect electrical connections and test the battery Reliable and trustworthy batteries are vital for safety as they are the power source for your electrical system when out on the water. All battery banks on board should be fully charged and the batteries should then be tested individually using an appropriate tester. While the boat is being prepared for the season, it’s also important to check the electrical system for signs of damage and corrosion in the cable, terminals, and bus bars. Be sure to isolate the batteries before testing the system to avoid an accidental short circuit. Check the electrical system for: Signs of corrosion – excessive corrosion in terminals and bus bars can lead to increased resistance and voltage drop within the electrical system. Chafing and exposed wires – excessive chafing can cut through the insulation on wires, exposing the core and potentially leading to accidental short circuits or increased corrosion. Exposed wires should be replaced with new tinned cable, while areas prone to chafing should be protected with conduit. Melted wires – a far more serious issue than chafing, this indicates either an electrical overload or a lack of protection from hot engines or generators. Melted wires need immediate attention, either replacement with thicker wires suitable for the current load or additional protection from hot objects with cable conduit. Weak connections – Any loose connections should be tightened, while poorly crimped terminals should be replaced. We stock a wide range of tinned cables in single and multi-core. Oceanflex marine tinned cable is corrosion resistant and designed for use in the harsh marine environment.  We also offer a range of cables that can be cut to length by the metre. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/pages/cables] Our assorted box kits are perfect for keeping spare fuses and terminals on hand, with a full range of fuses and a mixture of terminals, they are ideal for storing on board for repairs and installing new appliances. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/collections/assorted-box-kits]   Testing navigation lighting Navigation lights should be regularly tested on your boat, even if you do not plan on trips overnight they should be fully functional at all times.  Check the lenses are clear and undamaged and ensure you have a full range of spare bulbs if you do not have LED lighting. Upgrading to LED navigation lights is an excellent choice if they are not already fitted, these have reduced power consumption and longer service life than traditional navigation bulbs, making them an ideal upgrade choice when trying to lengthen battery life. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/collections/navigation-lights]   Check you have the correct tools It’s a great time to check you have all the required tools before the beginning of the season. For crimping, joining, cutting and melting heat shrink, our full equipment range can be found below.   We offer a range of both budget and ratchet crimping tools, perfect for DIY installations or frequent heavy use. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/pages/tools-consumables]   Thinking about making an upgrade? Underwater lighting Underwater lights are a fantastic way to add an extra flair to your boat, available in a range of sizes and colours such as blue & white and RGBW they offer complete colour control when paired with a compatible controller. OceanLED lights also feature a fish strobe mode, randomising the strobing of the light which is proven to attract more bait fish! Our full range is available below, from known and trusted brands OceanLED and Hella Apelo. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/pages/underwater-lighting]   Update your interior lighting Improving the lighting in your boat is one of the best ways to totally transform the look and feel of the interior space, turning a cramped dark saloon into a comfortable living space. Indirect lighting can increase the volume and space within your cabin by illuminating the sides from concealed LED strip lights in ledges and under lockers, creating a warmer and softer light compared to traditional down lighting. Upgrading to larger strip lights can be a great way to improve lighting inside your boat. Our strip lights are available in both switched and non-switched variants to suit your setup requirements. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/pages/lighting-navigation]   Courtesy and step lights Courtesy lights are perfect for softly illuminating passageways, doors and stairs. These lights can also be used outdoors for added safety at night. Our full range from trusted brands such as Hella marine is suited for both exterior and interior use. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/collections/courtesy-lights]   Chart & Reading lights Looking to improve chart table illumination for navigating at night? Find our full range of chart lights from trusted brands Hella and Labcraft, available in both 12V & 24V. These lights feature red and cool white colour settings, perfect for bright illumination or preserving your night vision. We also offer a range of stylish reading lights, in both cool and warm white. Perfect for use in boat cabins and seating areas, with certain models featuring touch activation and USB charging. [https://www.furneauxriddall.com/collections/chart-map-reading-lights]

Some LED lights are known to generate EMI, which poses dangers when it comes in contact with radio reception. The United States Coast Guard recently published an alert detailing how this interference could affect you and preventing electronic communication between vessels at sea by warning against purchasing certain products that have been found guilty of generating EMI emitters such as harbor cruises boats offshore lighting systems among others. LED lamps offer boat owners many benefits, including brighter light and long life. For safety reasons though it is important to make sure your LED lights meet the appropriate maritime standards for EMI so they don't distract drivers or interfere with marine electronics on board like GPS systems that may be essential if you plan to take out fishing trips during low visibility conditions when storms are probable. In order to protect yourself from potential risks associated with radio frequency interference (EMI) while navigating through busy shipping channels both exterior and interior lighting should employ quality models equipped with approved emitting devices. Hella marine is a well-established company that has been making ships' lamps for over 75 years. With an eye on the effects EMI can have in other devices, they design their LED lighting products with special attention paid to those used by VHF and AIS systems found onboard boats as well certified according DoC standards - VIEW OUR HELLA MARINE PRODUCTS

OceanLED unveil the new RC system at the IBEX show in Tampa, Florida.Take control of your OceanLED Colours or Dual underwater lights via the OceanDMX RC.The OceanDMX RC allows you to remotely control the RGBW colour or dual colour LED lighting system installed on your boat via the DMX protocol (the lighting system must be DMX compatible).The OceanDMX RC has 3 programmable scenes with up to 10 pre-set modes with the ability to connect to 4 zones independently (excluding X-Series), therefore you can control your transom lights independently from your port/starboard lights. Use up to 8 different remotes to control your lights with just 1 receiver.The OceanDMX RC can also be used with other 3rd party DMX systems, see examples below; Underwater lighting (Use separate zones for side/rear) Yacht signage Deck lighting Indoor lighting The OceanDMX RC Receiver connects to the remote via radio frequency (RC). The receiver is waterproof to IP68 certification, and has a range of up to 20m, depending on mounting location.

OceanLED are excited to unveil their latest innovation, the Discover D3. Superior Protection, Total Peace of Mind. The Discover D3 is rated at IP69k, the highest achievable rating of protection against water ingress. IP69k goes one step further than the industry standard IP68, giving you additional protection and peace of mind. The rear of the light is protected from in-hull temporary submersion for boats where rough seas and waves sometimes flood the stern. Compact Design The D3’s compact dimensions make it ideal for tight fitting areas or smaller boats Advanced Signature Optics – Wide Surface Beam The Discover D3 benefits from OceanLED’s signature optics (90° x 20°), producing an unrivaled optimal lighting effect. Advanced Signature Optics – Narrow side Beam The OceanLED signature optics produce a narrow side beam, that has minimal light loss, focusing the beam where you need it and penetrating further through the water.

OceanLED is pleased to announce that they have gained official approval for their Discover D3 and X-Series lights to be fitted on Armstrong Nautical Outboard Brackets. Armstrong aluminium brackets are used widely across the USA as well as other regions. They are the finest outboard mounting systems in the industry, and now for the first time, can be mounted with OceanLED lighting with the use of the new mounting kit provided by OceanLED for the D3 and X-Series Underwater LED lights. This opens up the use of OceanLED lighting to the many boat manufacturers who use Armstrong aluminium brackets, by fitting Discover D3, or X-Series alongside the new isolating mounting kit provided by OceanLED.

Berker offer a range of of Sockets, Switches and Frames in the Berker Integro Flow Range. Suitable for Motorhomes, Caravans, Campervans and Marine.Berker switches and sockets have a compact design – and minimal installation depths to create a modern solution to applications where space is a premium.The Modular Product Concept combines an insert with a frame to form a complete product.Berker are highly regarded for the quality and reliability, particularly within demanding environments.Quick and easy installation and a range of contemporary colours make Berker switches and sockets the perfect solution. Berker Switches A selection of high quality, modern design switches from Berker Switches. All switches fit into the same frames/housings and all have the same fitting measurements of 59.5mm with a hole cut out of 42.5mm.   Berker Sockets A selection of high quality, modern design sockets from Berker Sockets. All switches fit into the same frames/housings and all have the same fitting measurements of 55.5mm x 55.5mm with a hole cut out of 42.5mm.   Berker Flow Frames A contemporary solution for every installation environment – straight-line contours and angular corners, coupled with arched surface geometry. In this manner Berker Flow Frames ensures a harmonious transition to the operating section for any installation surface. The ideal product for virtually any interior style.   Berker Wall Boxes These Berker Wall Boxes have been designed to support BErker switches and sockets. Berker offers a variety of wall boxes and contact protection boxes which are available in 1, 2 or 3 gang with a variety of diameters and insertion depths.   See the entire Berker range here