# ABYC Electrical Standards Explained (E-11, E-13, E-2) | Long Beach Marine Electric > ABYC electrical standards explained: E-11 for AC/DC systems, E-13 for lithium, E-2 for corrosion, A-28 and A-31. What they require and why surveyors use them. URL: https://longbeachmarineelectric.com/guide/abyc-electrical-standards/ Learn # ABYC Electrical Standards: What They Require and Why Your Boat Is Measured Against Them The standards surveyors, insurers and good electricians all work to, in plain English. By Long Beach Marine Electric · Updated October 6, 2026 **Short answer:** ABYC electrical standards are the American Boat and Yacht Council's voluntary safety standards for boat electrical systems. The core one, E-11, covers AC and DC wiring: tinned marine cable, 3% and 10% voltage-drop limits, overcurrent protection near the source and an ELCI on shore power. Others cover lithium batteries (E-13), cathodic protection (E-2), galvanic isolators (A-28) and chargers and inverters (A-31). [Long Beach Marine Electric](/) refers to ABYC electrical standards on almost every page of this site, because they’re what marine surveyors, insurers and competent marine electricians measure boats against. Here’s what they are and what they require, in plain terms. ## Who ABYC is The American Boat and Yacht Council writes voluntary safety standards for recreational boats in the U.S. The U.S. Coast Guard sets some mandatory rules for builders (33 CFR Part 183), but ABYC’s standards go much further, and they’re what boatbuilders design to and surveyors check against. ## The standards that matter for electrical work **E-11: AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats.** The core standard. Key points: - **Wire:** tinned, fine-stranded copper cable listed for marine use (UL 1426), never solid household wire. - **Voltage drop:** no more than 3% on critical circuits such as navigation lights and bilge pumps, and 10% on non-critical circuits. - **Overcurrent protection:** a fuse or breaker sized to protect the wire, installed close to the power source. Generally within 7 inches, with specific exceptions. - **Shore power:** an ELCI at the main shore-power disconnect, 30 mA / 100 ms, unless an isolation transformer is fitted within 10 feet of the inlet. - **Ignition protection** for components in spaces where gasoline vapor can collect (SAE J1171). - **Support and chafe protection** for wiring runs. **E-13: Lithium Ion Batteries.** Ratified in 2022 and effective for systems installed after July 31, 2023. It requires a battery management system on lithium installations of 600 Wh or more (50 Ah and up at 12 V), with warning before disconnect and full manufacturer documentation. **E-10: Storage Batteries.** Battery installation: securing, ventilation, terminal protection and cabling. **E-2: Cathodic Protection.** Anodes, bonding and protection levels against galvanic corrosion. **A-28: Galvanic Isolators.** Requirements for isolators in the shore-power ground, including fail-safe designs. **A-31: Battery Chargers and Inverters.** Installation and safety requirements for chargers and inverters. **H-22: Electric Bilge Pump Systems.** Bilge pump installation, including the high-water alarm called for on boats with enclosed accommodations. ## Why it matters to you - **Surveys.** Surveyors list items that don’t meet ABYC as findings, and buyers negotiate on them. - **Insurance.** Insurers increasingly require findings fixed before binding or renewing, and reference E-13 for lithium. - **Safety.** In BoatUS claims, electrical faults cause more than half of boat fires. The standards exist to prevent exactly those failures. - **Resale.** A boat with documented, standard-compliant wiring sells more easily. ## Older boats Boats are generally judged against the standards in force when they were built, but surveyors note where current standards differ. Common upgrades on older boats are an ELCI, overcurrent protection on unprotected circuits, battery securing and terminal covers, and replacing non-marine wire. See [marine survey electrical findings](/guide/marine-survey-electrical-findings/). ## Bottom line ABYC standards are voluntary but universal. E-11 is the one that defines good electrical work on boats. See [boat rewiring](/boat-rewiring/) or [marine electrical inspection](/marine-electrical-inspection/), or call **(562) 374-7233**. Want a real number for your boat? Get a same-day callback and a free estimate within 24 hours. [Call (562) 374-7233](tel:+15623747233)[Request an estimate](#estimate) ## Sources - [Wiring Harness News: electrical standards for marine wiring](https://wiringharnessnews.com/electrical-standards-for-marine-wiring/) - [Panbo: ABYC ratifies E-13](https://panbo.com/abyc-ratifies-e-13-their-first-lithium-battery-standard/) - [Cruising World: ABYC E-11 ELCI requirement](https://www.cruisingworld.com/?p=40379) - [Practical Sailor: bilge pump fusing (ABYC 7-inch rule)](https://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/bilge-pump-installation-and-maintenance-tips/) - [ANSI Webstore: ABYC standards](https://webstore.ansi.org/sdo/abyc) [ Related service Boat Rewiring Aging automotive wire replaced with tinned marine cable, new AC/DC panels and labeled circuits, built to ABYC E-11. See the service](/boat-rewiring/) Free estimate Two quick steps. A callback the same day. Faster by phone: [(562) 374-7233](tel:+15623747233) Straight answers ## Related questions ### Are ABYC standards the law? For recreational boat owners, ABYC standards are voluntary. U.S. Coast Guard regulations (33 CFR 183) are mandatory for builders on some items. In practice, builders, surveyors and insurers all use ABYC as the benchmark. ### Does an older boat have to meet current ABYC standards? Boats are generally assessed against the standards of their build year, but surveyors note where current standards differ, and insurers may require some upgrades, commonly an ELCI or fixes to unsafe wiring. ### What is ABYC certification for electricians? ABYC offers technician certifications in marine electrical systems. It shows training on the standards. Ask any electrician about their certification and experience with your type of system. ## More guides - [Boat Rewiring Cost: How Much to Rewire a Boat in 2026?](/guide/boat-rewiring-cost/) - [DIY Boat Wiring vs Hiring a Marine Electrician: Where to Draw the Line](/guide/diy-boat-wiring-vs-marine-electrician/) Get a marine electrician to your slip Same-day callback · Written price before work. [Call (562) 374-7233](tel:+15623747233) [Get a Free Estimate](/contact/)