---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 28.870"
title: "46"
number: "28.870"
heading: "Emergency source of electrical power."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/28.870"
---

# §28.870. Emergency source of electrical power.

- (a) The following electrical loads must be connected to an independent emergency source of power capable of supplying all connected loads continuously for at least three hours:
  - (1) Navigation lights;
  - (2) Fire protection and detection systems;
  - (3) Communications equipment;
  - (4) General alarm system; and
  - (5) Emergency lighting;
- (b) The emergency power source must be aft of the collision bulkhead, outside of the machinery space, and above the uppermost continuous deck.
- (c) An emergency source of power supplied solely by storage battery must also meet the following requirements:
  - (1) Each battery must be a lead-acid or alkaline type and be able to withstand vessel pitch, vibration, roll, and exposure to a salt water atmosphere;
  - (2) A battery cell must not spill electrolyte when the battery is inclined at 30 degrees from the vertical;
  - (3) Each battery installation must be in a battery room, in a box on dock, or in a well ventilated compartment. The batteries must be protected from falling objects;
  - (4) Each battery tray must be secured to prevent shifting with the roll and pitch of the vessel and lined with a material that is corrosion resistant to the electrolyte of the battery;
  - (5) Each battery bank installation must be fitted with its own drip-proof charging system; and
  - (6) Each deck box used for battery storage must be weathertight, and have holes near the top to allow gas to escape.

## Notes

### Source

Source: CGD 94-025, 60 FR 54444, Oct. 24, 1995, unless otherwise noted.

### 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.