Electrolytic corrosion
Electrolytic corrosion is caused by
externally generated DC electrical
currents that pass through a metal
item to another in an electrolyte
such as raw water. Electrolytic
corrosion is especially due to circuit
leakage currents, shore power sys-
tems or DC ground faults.
The consequences are the same
as galvanic corrosion. However,
the protective measures against
galvanic corrosion are only partially
effective against electrolytic corro-
sion.
To protect the engine against
electrolytic corrosion, the following
recommendations should always
be followed:
• Electric cables must never be
exposed to water or damp. They
must be clamped and free from
any mechanical constraints.
• If the boat is connected to shore
power, the protector ground
must never be in the boat. Shore
power should always have a
ground fault circuit beaker.
• Shore power units must be in-
tended for marine usage.
• All equipment fitted with a protec-
tive ground terminal, the engine
along with the anodes must be
connected to the common ground
of the boat.
55
I DANGER
For engine with a two-pole
electrical system, the negative
pole of the battery must never
be connected to the common
ground of the boat.
I CAUTION
The Sail Drive model SP60 is
electrically isolated from the
engine. Never connect the Sail
Drive SP60 to the common
ground or to any metal item or
electrical equipment.
• A main switch must be connec-
ted to the positive circuit (+) of
the battery. This switch must be
switched off when the boat is not
in use to cut off the power to all
equipment.
I WARNING
Never switch off the power of
a corrosion protection system
powered by a battery.