[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR183.410]

[Page 774]
 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
    CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 183--BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart I--Electrical Systems
 
Sec. 183.410  Ignition protection.

    (a) Each electrical component must not ignite a propane gas and air 
mixture that is 4.25 to 5.25 percent propane gas by volume surrounding 
the electrical component when it is operated at each of its manufacturer 
rated voltages and current loadings, unless it is isolated from gasoline 
fuel sources, such as engines, and valves, connections, or other 
fittings in vent lines, fill lines, distribution lines or on fuel tanks, 
in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) An electrical component is isolated from a gasoline fuel source 
if:
    (1) A bulkhead that meets the requirements of paragraph (c) of this 
section is between the electrical component and the gasoline fuel 
source;
    (2) The electrical component is:
    (i) Lower than the gasoline fuel source and a means is provided to 
prevent fuel and fuel vapors that may leak from the gasoline fuel source 
from becoming exposed to the electrical component; or
    (ii) Higher than the gasoline fuel source and a deck or other 
enclosure is between it and the gasoline fuel source; or
    (3) The space between the electrical component and the gasoline fuel 
source is at least two feet and the space is open to the atmosphere.
    (c) Each bulkhead required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section must:
    (1) Separate the electrical component from the gasoline fuel source 
and extend both vertically and horizontally the distance of the open 
space between the fuel source and the ignition source;
    (2) Resist a water level that is 12 inches high or one-third of the 
maximum height of the bulkhead, whichever is less, without seepage of 
more than one-quarter fluid ounce of fresh water per hour; and
    (3) Have no opening located higher than 12 inches or one-third the 
maximum height of the bulkhead, whichever is less, unless the opening is 
used for the passage of conductors, piping, ventilation ducts, 
mechanical equipment, and similar items, or doors, hatches, and access 
panels, and the maximum annular space around each item or door, hatch or 
access panel must not be more than one-quarter inch.