Salt water flooding: Can it cause a fire?
Taking your boat out on the water should be a fun and relaxing time. However, flooding can be an issue and should be taken seriously.
There’s also a difference between fresh water flooding and salt water flooding. To adequately prepare, here’s what you should know about saltwater flooding and what to do when it happens.
Fire risks from salt water flooding
Although there are always immediate electrical risks, salt water can increase those chances by causing erosion to your 14 Gauge Marine Wire. When corrosion takes place, it weakens the structural integrity and increases the risk of a fire. Salt water also damages the wooden parts of the structure as well, further compromising the structural stability of your boat.
In addition, salt water flooding promotes mold growth. Mold thrives in damp and salty environments and can seriously affect the integrity of your electrical systems. So as soon as you notice any changes, you should address them as soon as possible to prevent an electrical fire from starting.
What causes fires from salt water flooding?
Because salt water corrodes the protective covering around electrical wires, that leaves them exposed. When salt water is further added to the electrical wires, then the components in your boat can start to malfunction and short circuit, resulting in fires.
Saltwater is also quite conductive in nature, creating a pathway for electrical currents to flow, leading to electrical arcing. This can cause the spread of fires to other areas of the boat as well.
Prevention techniques: Elevation
One of the best ways to prevent an electrical fire from saltwater flooding is to elevate any equipment and systems above the flood levels. It’s one of the simplest solutions to a serious problem.
Prevention techniques: Sealing and insulation
You can protect your electrical wires by using waterproof sealing and insulation materials. These serve as an extra barrier against the salt water that can quickly corrode your materials and wires, creating a fire hazard.
Prevention techniques: Maintenance
Of course, if you’re regularly inspecting and maintaining your equipment, then there should be no risk of electrical fires if you’re noticing the problems beforehand. You can take note of any recent vulnerabilities and repair them quickly before you take your boat out on the open waters.
The danger of electric batteries
Although lithium batteries do provide plenty of advantages that make them good choices, they are also at risk of causing an electrical fire if they are exposed to salt water. As stated earlier, salt water is a good conductor of electricity, and it will have no problem conducting the power created by a lithium battery. This is because a submerged battery will make it easy for the saltwater to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
It’s important to take care of the electrical systems in your boat and inspect them on a regular basis. Noticing the problems sooner will prevent them from becoming bigger problems later. But if you still need help, be sure to contact a boating expert to help you look for problems and provide you with any solutions you might need to make repairs.
