What is a potential consequence of water in an electrical connection?

Water in an electrical connection can lead to significant problems, primarily short-circuits and corrosion. When water enters an electrical connection, it can create a conductive path where it is not intended, causing electricity to flow in unintended directions. This unexpected flow can lead to short circuits, which can damage electrical components, cause equipment failure, or even pose serious safety hazards such as electric shock or fire.

Additionally, water can facilitate the corrosion of metal contacts and conductors, degrading their performance over time. Corrosion not only affects the electrical connection's reliability but can also escalate to a complete failure of the circuit. This is particularly concerning in a marine environment, where both moisture and electrolytic corrosion are prevalent. Therefore, the presence of water in electrical connections can severely compromise the safety and effectiveness of the electrical system on a vessel.