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Knowledge Base

Welcome to the PYS Knowledge Base!

Discover real-world solutions inspired by the hands-on experiences of PYS marine electrical and electronic techs. Whether you’re troubleshooting electrical issues or optimizing onboard systems, our articles offer practical insights and step-by-step advice to help you keep your boat running smoothly.

With each article, you’ll gain valuable knowledge from experts who know marine technology inside and out.

Learn from the best. Solve problems with confidence. Spend more time enjoying your boat.

Ready to talk to PYS about solutions for your boat? Contact us at solutions@pysystems.ca

Popular Knowledge Base

Reverse Polarity Shore Power

Knowledge Base
Reverse Polarity Shore Power

The Four Stages of Charge

Knowledge Base
The Four Stages of Charge

Thermal vs. Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Knowledge Base
Thermal vs. Magnetic Circuit Breakers

What is the difference between a Galvanic Isolator and an Isolation Transformer?

Knowledge Base
What is the difference between a Galvanic Isolator and an Isolation Transformer?

Engine Starter Circuit

Knowledge Base
Engine Starter Circuit

AC Reverse Polarity Indicator

Knowledge Base
AC Reverse Polarity Indicator

Your Chassis Ground Connection: NOT Your Negative Connection

Knowledge Base
Your Chassis Ground Connection: NOT Your Negative Connection

Battery Charger Settings for Different Types of Batteries

Knowledge Base
Battery Charger Settings for Different Types of Batteries

Connecting and Disconnecting from Shore Power

Knowledge Base
Connecting and Disconnecting from Shore Power

Tachometer Signals

Knowledge Base
Tachometer Signals

Alternator protection: avoiding irreversible damage

Knowledge Base
Alternator protection: avoiding irreversible damage

Pros and Cons of a Traditional Isolation Transformer

Knowledge Base
Pros and Cons of a Traditional Isolation Transformer

Starter Batteries vs House Batteries

Knowledge Base
Starter Batteries vs House Batteries

Inductive versus Resistive Loads

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Inductive versus Resistive Loads

The Perils of Flooded Lead Battery Discharge Below 50% and Partial State of Charge

Knowledge Base
The Perils of Flooded Lead Battery Discharge Below 50% and Partial State of Charge

All Knowledge Base

Where is the best place to install a solar panel on my boat?

Knowledge Base
Where is the best place to install a solar panel on my boat?

Do Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO 4) Batteries Share Your Values?

Knowledge Base
Do Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO 4) Batteries Share Your Values?

Battery Charger Settings for Different Types of Batteries

Knowledge Base
Battery Charger Settings for Different Types of Batteries

CZone Simplifies Electrical Installlations

Knowledge Base
CZone Simplifies Electrical Installlations

PYS Presents Women's Day at the 2018 Vancouver Boat Show

Knowledge Base
PYS Presents Women's Day at the 2018 Vancouver Boat Show

We Are Celebrating Our 10 Year Anniversary - A Message from Jeff Cote

Knowledge Base
We Are Celebrating Our 10 Year Anniversary - A Message from Jeff Cote

The Perils of Flooded Lead Battery Discharge Below 50% and Partial State of Charge

Knowledge Base
The Perils of Flooded Lead Battery Discharge Below 50% and Partial State of Charge

Forcing A Shore Power Plug to Fit

Knowledge Base
Forcing A Shore Power Plug to Fit

Battery Chargers

Knowledge Base
Battery Chargers

Pros and Cons of a Traditional Isolation Transformer

Knowledge Base
Pros and Cons of a Traditional Isolation Transformer

Charge Distribution

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Charge Distribution

Battery Charging Rates

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Battery Charging Rates

Negative Battery Switching Troubles

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Negative Battery Switching Troubles

Voltage Drop in Primary Distribution

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Voltage Drop in Primary Distribution

VHF Antennas vs. VHF-AIS Antennas

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VHF Antennas vs. VHF-AIS Antennas

ELCI Breaker with an Inverter/Charger

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ELCI Breaker with an Inverter/Charger

Thermal vs. Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Knowledge Base
Thermal vs. Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Battery Bank Sizing

Knowledge Base
Battery Bank Sizing

Engine Starter Circuit

Knowledge Base
Engine Starter Circuit

Electromagnetic Fields on Your Boat

Knowledge Base
Electromagnetic Fields on Your Boat

Battery Bank Integrity

Knowledge Base
Battery Bank Integrity

Ever Wonder How A Battery Stores Electricity?

Knowledge Base
Ever Wonder How A Battery Stores Electricity?

Alternators

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Alternators

Tachometer Signals

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Tachometer Signals

Solar Charge Controllers

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Solar Charge Controllers

Plugging Into Shore Power

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Plugging Into Shore Power

Best Boat Heater Systems for Cruising Boats

Knowledge Base
Best Boat Heater Systems for Cruising Boats

Importance of Remote Battery Switches

Knowledge Base
Importance of Remote Battery Switches

Shore Power Connections

Knowledge Base
Shore Power Connections

Battery Voltage vs Battery Capacity

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Battery Voltage vs Battery Capacity

Advantages of External Alternator Regulation

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Advantages of External Alternator Regulation

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

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Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Peukert’s Law

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Peukert’s Law

Battery Bank Capacity vs Charge Rate

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Battery Bank Capacity vs Charge Rate

Battery Bank Capacity Calculation

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Battery Bank Capacity Calculation

Battery Monitors

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Battery Monitors

Choosing Your Solar Panel Location

Knowledge Base
Choosing Your Solar Panel Location

Starter Batteries vs House Batteries

Knowledge Base
Starter Batteries vs House Batteries

Battery Capacity vs. Discharge Rate

Knowledge Base
Battery Capacity vs. Discharge Rate

Engine Switches and Senders

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Engine Switches and Senders

Switch Terminology

Knowledge Base
Switch Terminology

Connecting and Disconnecting from Shore Power

Knowledge Base
Connecting and Disconnecting from Shore Power

AC Reverse Polarity Indicator

Knowledge Base
AC Reverse Polarity Indicator

Double Pole AC Circuit Breaker

Knowledge Base
Double Pole AC Circuit Breaker

Battery Composition

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Battery Composition

More Energy: Reducing Your Power Needs

Knowledge Base
More Energy: Reducing Your Power Needs

The Four Stages of Charge

Knowledge Base
The Four Stages of Charge

Battery Failure Part 2: Sulfation

Knowledge Base
Battery Failure Part 2: Sulfation

Battery Failure Part 1: Shedding of Material

Knowledge Base
Battery Failure Part 1: Shedding of Material

Tips for Installing Large Battery Banks

Knowledge Base
Tips for Installing Large Battery Banks

Sizing DC to DC Converters

Knowledge Base
Sizing DC to DC Converters

Fusing Electric Motor Circuits

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Fusing Electric Motor Circuits

Voltage Drop, AKA: Line Loss

Knowledge Base
Voltage Drop, AKA: Line Loss

Calculating Full Load AC and DC Needs of a Boat

Knowledge Base
Calculating Full Load AC and DC Needs of a Boat

The Pros and Cons of Wiring a Boat for 12 or 24 Volts

Knowledge Base
The Pros and Cons of Wiring a Boat for 12 or 24 Volts

Battery Banks and Loads

Knowledge Base
Battery Banks and Loads

Bilge Pumps

Knowledge Base
Bilge Pumps

The Importance of Using Marine Cables for Marine Applications

Knowledge Base
The Importance of Using Marine Cables for Marine Applications

Maintaining Your Deep Cycle Battery

Knowledge Base
Maintaining Your Deep Cycle Battery

What is the difference between a Galvanic Isolator and an Isolation Transformer?

Knowledge Base
What is the difference between a Galvanic Isolator and an Isolation Transformer?

The Importance of Testing your Bonding System to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion

Knowledge Base
The Importance of Testing your Bonding System to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion

How Many Times Does Your Bilge Pump Run? Bilge Pump Counters

Knowledge Base
How Many Times Does Your Bilge Pump Run? Bilge Pump Counters

Turning Darkness to Daylight at the Flick of a Switch

Knowledge Base
Turning Darkness to Daylight at the Flick of a Switch

Is an Alternator an Alternator?

Knowledge Base
Is an Alternator an Alternator?

Reverse Polarity Shore Power

Knowledge Base
Reverse Polarity Shore Power

Getting the Most of Your VHF DSC Radios

Knowledge Base
Getting the Most of Your VHF DSC Radios

Erratic Tank Sensors

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Erratic Tank Sensors

Three Good Reasons To Get An MMSI Number For Your Vessel

Knowledge Base
Three Good Reasons To Get An MMSI Number For Your Vessel

Your Chassis Ground Connection: NOT Your Negative Connection

Knowledge Base
Your Chassis Ground Connection: NOT Your Negative Connection

Solar Panels – Why Not?

Knowledge Base
Solar Panels – Why Not?

Fuel Sensors: A How-to Guide

Knowledge Base
Fuel Sensors: A How-to Guide

How to Keep Water on the Outside

Knowledge Base
How to Keep Water on the Outside

Improper Fusing: Common Reason for Fires on Boats

Knowledge Base
Improper Fusing: Common Reason for Fires on Boats

Protecting Your Boat From Galvanic Corrosion

Knowledge Base
Protecting Your Boat From Galvanic Corrosion

How To Do A Proper Crimp

Knowledge Base
How To Do A Proper Crimp

Check and Check Again

Knowledge Base
Check and Check Again

Quick Tips To Ensure Your Boat's Batteries Are Healthy and Ready for Cruising

Knowledge Base
Quick Tips To Ensure Your Boat's Batteries Are Healthy and Ready for Cruising

How Simple DIY Battery Connection Checks Can Help Your Boat

Knowledge Base
How Simple DIY Battery Connection Checks Can Help Your Boat

Where Is Your Ignition Key Power From?

Knowledge Base
Where Is Your Ignition Key Power From?

Ways to Take Care of Your Batteries

Knowledge Base
Ways to Take Care of Your Batteries

Connector Size, It Matters

Knowledge Base
Connector Size, It Matters

Gasoline Engine Room - No AC Outlets!

Knowledge Base
Gasoline Engine Room - No AC Outlets!

GFCI: Test to Survive

Knowledge Base
GFCI: Test to Survive

AC Panel: Cover Up!

Knowledge Base
AC Panel: Cover Up!

Mixing Battery Types in a Single Bank

Knowledge Base
Mixing Battery Types in a Single Bank

Does your Reverse Polarity Light Work?

Knowledge Base
Does your Reverse Polarity Light Work?

What is WAAS Anyway?

Knowledge Base
What is WAAS Anyway?

Getting the Most Out of Your Switches and Breakers

Knowledge Base
Getting the Most Out of Your Switches and Breakers

Is Your Charger Switch Properly Wired?

Knowledge Base
Is Your Charger Switch Properly Wired?

Using an Automotive Circuit Tester? Remember This

Knowledge Base
Using an Automotive Circuit Tester? Remember This

Multiple Downstream Fast-blow and Slow-blow Fuses

Knowledge Base
Multiple Downstream Fast-blow and Slow-blow Fuses

Fuses Blowing? Why Going Bigger is NOT the Solution

Knowledge Base
Fuses Blowing? Why Going Bigger is NOT the Solution

The Importance of Proper Wire Colours

Knowledge Base
The Importance of Proper Wire Colours

Bad Connections: Too Many Ring Terminals

Knowledge Base
Bad Connections: Too Many Ring Terminals

When a Label Isn't Enough

Knowledge Base
When a Label Isn't Enough

Chartplotter Updates: Making the Most of What You Have

Knowledge Base
Chartplotter Updates: Making the Most of What You Have

Are Your Batteries Dying With Nothing Turned On?

Knowledge Base
Are Your Batteries Dying With Nothing Turned On?

Staying Grounded: Fail Safe Galvanic Isolators

Knowledge Base
Staying Grounded: Fail Safe Galvanic Isolators

Music Solutions On Board

Knowledge Base
Music Solutions On Board

Telus Smart Hub: A Smart Decision

Knowledge Base
Telus Smart Hub: A Smart Decision

Cruising to your favourite tunes: Fusion Marine Stereo

Knowledge Base
Cruising to your favourite tunes: Fusion Marine Stereo

Solar panels: series vs. parallel

Knowledge Base
Solar panels: series vs. parallel

Choosing the Right Charge Controller for Your Solar Panels

Knowledge Base
Choosing the Right Charge Controller for Your Solar Panels

Change to Bell TV (ExpressVu) Satellite Tracking Frequency

Knowledge Base
Change to Bell TV (ExpressVu) Satellite Tracking Frequency

Buying a boat: what to look for in an electrical system

Knowledge Base
Buying a boat: what to look for in an electrical system

Be careful where you work!

Knowledge Base
Be careful where you work!

External alternator regulators: increasing power output

Knowledge Base
External alternator regulators: increasing power output

Crimping connectors: the common mistakes

Knowledge Base
Crimping connectors: the common mistakes

The trouble with battery mixing

Knowledge Base
The trouble with battery mixing

Alternator protection: avoiding irreversible damage

Knowledge Base
Alternator protection: avoiding irreversible damage

Fire hazards: a bad connection

Knowledge Base
Fire hazards: a bad connection

Ocean Crossing Equipment: added safety for long-distance trips

Knowledge Base
Ocean Crossing Equipment: added safety for long-distance trips

What is thermal runaway?

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What is thermal runaway?

Fused vs. Switched: What's the Difference?

Knowledge Base
Fused vs. Switched: What's the Difference?

Time-Saving Tools You Might Overlook

Knowledge Base
Time-Saving Tools You Might Overlook

PYS Has A New Monthly Column In Pacific Yachting!

Knowledge Base
PYS Has A New Monthly Column In Pacific Yachting!

CHIRP up!

Knowledge Base
CHIRP up!

Broadband Radar

Knowledge Base
Broadband Radar

Water damage and its effects on your vessel's electrical system

Knowledge Base
Water damage and its effects on your vessel's electrical system

How AIS improves your safety at sea

Knowledge Base
How AIS improves your safety at sea

Wire Sizing

Knowledge Base
Wire Sizing

Radar Antenna Placement

Knowledge Base
Radar Antenna Placement

Inductive versus Resistive Loads

Knowledge Base
Inductive versus Resistive Loads

Lights: Don't Get Burnt

Knowledge Base
Lights: Don't Get Burnt

SmartPlug is really smart

Knowledge Base
SmartPlug is really smart