Final answer:
Automotive electrical parts should not be used on vessels due to corrosion, risk of failure, and safety hazards in the marine environment. Marine electrical parts are specially designed to withstand moisture, salt, and offer proper insulation. Additionally, using such parts can prevent potential overloads of the electric system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automotive electrical parts are not designed for the harsh conditions of the marine environment, which include moisture, salt, and consistent exposure to water. The reason you should never use automotive electrical parts on a vessel is primarily due to the risk of corrosion and failure. Marine electrical parts are specifically designed to resist these conditions and ensure safety.
In addition to corrosion, safety concerns arise when using non-marine parts. Automotive parts may not be properly insulated or sealed against water ingress, introducing the risk of short circuits and electrical fires. Moreover, in a marine setting, the human body's resistance to electrical current can be greatly lowered due to wet conditions, increasing the risk of electric shock.
Furthermore, when you connect an excessive number of 12-Volt lights in parallel to a battery, such as a car battery, drawing too much current can lead to an overload and reduced battery output voltage. This not only affects performance but could pose a safety hazard if critical systems lose power. Marine electrical systems are designed to manage power distribution to prevent such overload.
Therefore, automotive parts, which lack these safety and durability features, should not be used to replace marine-specific parts. It's essential to use marine-grade parts to maintain the safety and functionality of vessels.