Electrical in Gasoline Engine Room

Question:

Good morning and happy that I found you in the Northwest Yachting publication.  A quick question regarding placing a 110 volt receptacle in the engine room with gas engines. I just purchased a Carver and would like to place a small electric heater in the engine compartment for the winter season.  The previous owner ran an electrical cord from the galley, I question firstly how safe that is, and secondly only if it is possible, what do you recommend for both the receptacle and the wiring? Thank you so much in advance, and whatever guidance you can provide would be appreciated.  - Morley

Answer:

Hi Morley, your concerns about a gasoline engine room are definitely legitimate. For this scenario, you need to install a ignition proof AC heater. In turn this AC heater is permanently wired to AC wires (no outlet) in the engine room. For reasons of safety you cannot have a AC outlet or non-ignition protected heater in a gasoline engine room.  - Jeff