Why NMEA 2000 certified devices are crucial for your boat network

Learn why certification guarantees compatibility, safety, and stability in NMEA 2000 networks. Avoid the risks of uncertified products and protect your onboard electronics.

All NMEA 2000 certified devices undergo a strict certification process where both hardware and software are tested to ensure proper function and compatibility. Although uncertified devices may seem appealing due to lower prices, there are several important reasons to always use certified products in your boat network.

What does NMEA 2000 certification mean?

NMEA provides a self-certification tool that manufacturers must use before a product can be labeled as NMEA 2000 certified. The test ensures that the device implements the network protocols correctly and does not cause problems for other devices in the network. Certification guarantees that all devices behave predictably and stably in a CAN-based network.

Read more in the official documentation: NMEA White Paper.

Risks of uncertified devices

Devices that are not certified can cause serious interoperability problems, such as:

• Source address conflicts that disrupt communication in the network.
• Incorrect address claims that can affect critical devices like the NGT-1 Gateway.
• Excessive power consumption leading to other devices shutting down or becoming unstable.

Since NMEA 2000 is a CAN BUS network, correct communication between devices is crucial for safe operation.

Examples of problems

If an uncertified device ignores the address claim procedure and takes a high-priority address, it can cause conflicts with the NGT-1, leading to data loss or total malfunction. Similarly, incorrect power management can result in devices at the end of the network becoming intermittent or ceasing to function entirely.

Summary

Using uncertified products poses a risk to the entire network. To ensure stability and safety, you should always choose NMEA 2000 certified devices. If you are unsure whether a product is certified, check the official list on the NMEA website.