A Practical Guide for Marine Electricians and Boatbuilders

The world of marine electrical systems is precise, demanding, and governed by critical safety standards. Chief among them? The ABYC E-11 Standard, which outlines proper installation and maintenance of AC and DC systems aboard vessels.

But what if you could combine the clarity of ABYC with the instant-answer intelligence of AI?

Enter Custom GPTs — advanced AI assistants you can configure to answer detailed, code-specific questions using your own references. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to build a custom GPT designed to assist with ABYC-compliant electrical work, step-by-step.

🛠 Why a Custom GPT for Marine Electrical Work?

Every marine electrician knows the challenge of interpreting ABYC standards on the fly. Whether you're mid-install or troubleshooting, it's not always practical to flip through a 70-page PDF or memorize every wire color and breaker spec.

A Custom GPT trained on ABYC references acts like an instant code assistant. It can help with:

• Wire sizing per ampacity charts

• Voltage drop calculations

• Correct conductor color codes

• Overcurrent protection device selection

• System diagrams interpretation

Think of it as a specialized marine code interpreter — one that’s available 24/7.

⚙️ Step-by-Step: Building Your ABYC GPT

1. Assemble Your Reference Materials

To get started, gather your core documents:

• ABYC E-11: AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats (2018 or newer)

• Wiring color code charts (e.g., Table 13, Table 14 from ABYC)

• Ampacity and wire sizing charts (e.g., Table 6A–6E)

• Voltage drop tables (e.g., Table 9, Table 10)

• Common marine diagrams (e.g., grounding systems, isolation transformers)

Be sure you’re using licensed, up-to-date ABYC materials. These are copyrighted and must be legally sourced.

2. Log into ChatGPT and Create a Custom GPT

OpenAI offers a simple interface for creating a custom GPT. Here’s how:

1. Go to chat.openai.com

2. Click Explore GPTs → Create

3. Provide a name and purpose (e.g., “MarineWire GPT – ABYC Compliance Assistant”)

4. In the setup wizard:

   • Instructions: Define the GPT’s role. For example:
     “You are a marine electrical expert trained to interpret and apply ABYC E-11 standards for AC and DC systems on boats. Your responses must reference official wire color codes, ampacity tables, and proper safety practices.”

   • Upload Files: Add PDFs or images of your ABYC charts, code excerpts, diagrams, etc.

   • Conversation Starters: Add helpful sample prompts such as:

     • “What color wire is used for a bilge pump in DC wiring?”

     • “What size wire is required for a 20A circuit at 15 feet with 3% voltage drop?”

     • “How should an isolation transformer be grounded per ABYC?”

3. Test the GPT with Real-World Scenarios

After setup, test your GPT’s performance by asking it common field questions:

Scenario What to Ask Wire Sizing “What size wire do I need for a 30A DC load over 20 feet?” Color Codes “What does a yellow wire indicate in ABYC DC circuits?” Breaker Selection “What overcurrent protection is needed for a 40A inverter?” Grounding Systems “How should grounding be configured on a shore power connection?”

Evaluate the responses for clarity, accuracy, and code compliance. If something’s off, return to the GPT settings and refine its instructions or add more documentation.

4. Enable Tools for Calculations and Visual Support

For added functionality, enable the following:

• Python (Code Interpreter): Allows the GPT to perform voltage drop or load calculations using real formulas.

• Image Generation Tool: Useful for sketching out basic wiring diagrams or visualizing a bonding system layout.

• File Access Tool: Lets the GPT pull answers directly from uploaded ABYC documents.

These tools help your GPT go beyond memorization — it can calculate, explain, and even simulate situations.

✅ What Your ABYC GPT Can Do

With the right setup, your GPT can answer questions such as:

• “What is the maximum ampacity for 8 AWG in open air per ABYC?”

• “Can I run more than three conductors in conduit?”

• “How is a GFCI installed in a 120V shore power panel?”

• “Where does overcurrent protection go for battery banks?”

It’s a powerful addition to any shop, boatyard, or even marine electrician training program.

⚠️ Use Responsibly

A well-trained GPT is a tool, not a license to skip the standards. Always confirm high-stakes decisions with the official ABYC manual and use professional judgment, especially for insurance, survey, and inspection work.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Building a GPT specialized in ABYC compliance gives you an edge: it reduces mistakes, saves time, and keeps your crew aligned with safety best practices. Whether you're wiring a full system or just verifying a conductor size, a custom GPT can be your go-to resource.

If you’d like a template to get started or want help setting one up for your shop, I’d be happy to assist.

Let’s wire it right — the smart, compliant way.