Are devices installed in a diesel engine compartment required to be “Ignition protected?
A. No. E-8, AC Electrical systems on boats and E-9, DC Electrical systems on boats both describe the need for ignition protection in spaces containing gasoline powered machinery, gas tanks, fittings or other connections between components of a gasoline system. Written below this requirement is an exception for boats using diesel as the only fuel source. For example, you may install a non-ignition protected device (any electrical component that is not labeled “Ignition Protected”) in an engine compartment containing a diesel engine, however, add a gas generator set to that same compartment and then all electrical items must be ignition protected.
