Why should an MWS apparatus be started with all electrical switches OFF?

Why should an MWS apparatus be started with all electrical switches OFF?

• A. Start the engine without a load
• B. Prevent backfeed into shore power
• C. To improve fuel economy
• D. To reduce engine RPM during start

Answer: (A)

Starting with all electrical switches OFF keeps the starting circuit free of any electrical load. The starter motor needs a large current surge to crank the engine, and any added load from lights, pumps, or other accessories can steal current, drop the system voltage, slow or stall cranking, and put extra strain on the battery. With no extra electrical demand, the starter can spin the engine smoothly and reliably. Once the engine is running, you can switch on equipment as needed. The other options aren’t the immediate reason for this practice—fuel economy or reducing RPM during start aren’t about the cranking load, and preventing backfeed into shore power involves isolation beyond just starting with switches off.

Starting with all electrical switches OFF keeps the starting circuit free of any electrical load. The starter motor needs a large current surge to crank the engine, and any added load from lights, pumps, or other accessories can steal current, drop the system voltage, slow or stall cranking, and put extra strain on the battery. With no extra electrical demand, the starter can spin the engine smoothly and reliably. Once the engine is running, you can switch on equipment as needed. The other options aren’t the immediate reason for this practice—fuel economy or reducing RPM during start aren’t about the cranking load, and preventing backfeed into shore power involves isolation beyond just starting with switches off.