The Growing Complexity of Narrowboat Electrics

Narrowboat electrical systems are no longer simple. Where they once featured just one or two 12V lighting circuits, modern living has introduced considerable complexity. Today’s boats incorporate inverters, electric fridges, kettles, laptops, and often an electric motor and onboard washing machines.

Adding the requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme and various British standards, the electrical cupboard is now a much more complicated and critical part of the build and in many ways is more complicated than you cupboard at home.

Professional Design is Paramount for Safety

This increased complexity necessitates a professional approach to design. Large battery banks on narrowboats move substantial amounts of current. Consequently, a poor or compromised design presents a genuinely dangerous situation for the boat builder during construction and, crucially, for the eventual user. Safety cannot be compromised, making a strong electrical specification paramount.

The Challenge for Builders and DIYers

Most narrowboat builders complete only a handful of boats annually (one to three), making it a real challenge for them to stay ahead of constant changes in products, standards, and new developments. This can create very dangerous issues. For DIY builders, a clear plan is highly beneficial.

Törkmar’s Leadership and Mission

The Törkmar team has remained at the forefront of this specialised field for the last 15 years. They specialise in building safe and reliable electrical cupboards, and their mission is to provide boat owners with systems that are solid, reliable, and safe. A key focus is on ensuring these electrical cupboards integrate seamlessly with the boat’s wider systems, which saves cost and increases overall efficiency. Their expertise is shared, and they offer a complimentary helpline to a Törkmar expert for those who need it.

The Törkmar Cupboard Kit Simplifies Installation

The Törkmar Electrical Cupboard Kit transforms the complex process into a simple assembly task. The kit includes a life-size schematic drawing that shows the exact position of every component, complete with screw holes. Faint lines on the drawing indicate the precise path and the correct size of every cable needed. To eliminate guesswork, the components also arrive with pre-printed labels showing their function. This level of detail makes the electrical cupboard simple and straightforward to build.

Focusing on Final Connections

The kit handles all the complex internal wiring, allowing the installer (builder or DIYer) to concentrate on the final connections. These connections are clearly defined, such as fixing the solar panel to the isolator, the batteries to the busbars, and the motor to the isolators. The benefit is that the critical interconnections between components are exceptionally well-made by design, allowing the installer to concentrate on the craft of making good, safe terminal connections, resulting in a safe system both they and the owner can be proud of.