PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Relay Experts,
What Is Ignition Protection? Building Better Relays”
More than half the boat fires and explosions in 2014 involved some kind of vessel fuel, with gasoline vapors
making up the vast majority. A small fuel spill can result in fuel collecting in the bilge which is an enclosed
space also housing powerful switching electronics. Vapors can also accumulate in many unintended ways
such as sloppy fuel handling or fuel leaks. Fire ranked number five among the causes of loss, from data
obtained by Boat US Marine Insurance.
As gasoline vapor is heavier than air, it fills the bilge and lower machinery areas first. As the fuel evaporates,
the vapors mix with air creating a perfect storm; all that is required for an ignition is a spark. Keeping those
vapors separated from sparks and heat is critical to avoid unintended explosions.
An electrical component that is “Ignition Protected” is capable of operating in an explosive environment with-
out igniting that environment. “Ignition Protection” of electrical devices is accomplished by the use of seals,
flame arrestors and potting or a combination of such means. An electrical device that has been Certified
Ignition Protected can safely be used in marine engine compartments and fuel tank spaces.
Use of certified “Ignition Protected” electrical parts such as relays, switches, fuses, and motors marked with
SAE J1171, ISO 8846 or UL 1500 is not only a good safety practice, but required by the United States Coast
Guard regulation 33CFR 183.410. Unless the electrical parts are labeled “Ignition Protection”, assume that
small sparks and extreme heat are possible during operation which can cause an explosion. When in doubt
about your electrical device, either replace the electrical part(s) in question or check with a qualified trained
marine professional.
The Agencies Generating The Standards
Ignition Protection Performance Requirements Have Been Established By:
• The Society of Automotive Engineers in SAE J1171
• Underwriters Laboratories in UL 1500
• The International Organization for Standardization in ISO 8846:2017
• The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
• The United States Coast Guard (USCG)
3220 Commander Drive, Suite 102 Carrrolton, TX 75006 www.PickerComponets.com
Sales: (972) 713-6272 • (888) 997-3933 • Fax: (972-735-0964 email: sales@pickercomponents.com
What Is SAE J1171 And Its Testing Requirements?
These various standards with respect to Ignition Protection Performance of relays are very similar. To determine
compliance of a relay, samples are tested to the Ignition Protection requirements for electrical components
as stated in ISO 8846:2017 as well as the Electrical System Standard, Title 33 CFR, Part 183, Subpart I, Section
183.410, SAE J1171 and the NMMA. These procedures are acceptable to the European Community and the
United States Coast Guard.
Specific Picker relays were subjected to a rigorous Water Submergence Test and a High Temperature Operating
Test per the ISO 8846 and SAE J1171 requirements. The SAE J1171 standard is a set of rigorous tests that place
a component under maritime conditions that might result in ignition. For relays, the test process involves:
• Submerging the relay under 15 inches of water at 50°C.
• Next, the relay is operated at 120% of its max nominal voltage while sitting in a 60°C chamber
of 4.8% propane for 7 hours.
According to the 2003 Boat Builder Hand book “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”
All Relays Are Not Created Equal
Relays can look very similar on the outside, but design, materials and construction make a significant differ-
ence in reliability and safety. Picker’s sealed automotive relays listed below meet or exceed the SAE J1171
standard and have been certified by an independent testing lab.
Following is a list of Picker sealed relays that are SAE J1171, UL 1500 & ISO 8846* certified;
Mini ISO ISO280
PC792A PC781
PC792B PC785
PC792E
Maxi ISO
PC795
PC796
For the data sheet go to:
www.pickercomponents.com/
Micro ISO Get-A-Data-Sheet.PHP
PC780
PC782 If you have any questions whether a
PC784 Picker relay is ignition protected or
any other relay specific questions,
*All testing was performed by Imanna Laboratory Inc. in 2018. Laboratory tests available upon request please feel to reach out to us directly.
3220 Commander Drive, Suite 102 Carrrolton, TX 75006 www.PickerComponets.com
Sales: (972) 713-6272 • (888) 997-3933 • Fax: (972-735-0964 email: sales@pickercomponents.com
