---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 28.365"
title: "46"
number: "28.365"
heading: "Overcurrent protection and switched circuits."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/28.365"
---

# §28.365. Overcurrent protection and switched circuits.

- (a) Each power source must be protected against overcurrent. Overcurrent devices for generators must be set at a value not exceeding 115 percent of the generator full load rating.
- (b) Except for a steering circuit, each circuit must be protected against both overload and short circuit. Each overcurrent device in a steering system power and control circuit must provide short circuit protection only.
- (c) Each ungrounded current carrying conductor must be protected in accordance with its current carrying capacity by a circuit breaker or fuse at the connection to the switchboard or distribution panel bus.
- (d) Each circuit breaker and each switch must simultaneously open all ungrounded conductors.
- (e) The grounded conductor of a circuit must not be disconnected by a switch or an overcurrent device unless all ungrounded conductors of the circuit are simultaneously disconnected.
- (f) Navigation light circuits must be separate, switched circuits having fused disconnect switches or circuit breakers so that only the appropriate navigation lights can be switched on.
- (g) A separate circuit with overcurrent protection at the main distribution panel or switchboard must be provided for each radio installation.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3316, 4502, 4505, 4506, 6104, 8103, 10603; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, unless otherwise noted.