Shore Power on the Cheap

[Andre Emmenegger]

Just to summarize and see if I understand this correctly:

Best is to hardwire the boat to have a through hull receptacle like the big boys. Then you simply pug on and the distribution and battery charging are hardwired and protected throughout the boat.

If you want to go inexpensive, simple and not drill into the boat then:

- Get a 30amp to 15 amp adapter from West Marine

- Buy a 50 foot 12 gauge extension cord to plug into the adapter

- Get an outdoor box with a GFI protected receptacle

- Cut the female end off of the extension cord and hardwire into the outdoor box

- Make sure the draw is not greater than 15 amps

- Use a battery charger that has the ground through the cord. (please see separate post in this regard)

I hope that is all correct.

[Andre Emmenegger]

I forgot one more addition to the above post.

- Get a plug in circuit checker from Home Depot to make sure the hookup is OK.

[Sumner]

....
Best is to hardwire the boat to have a through hull receptacle like the big boys. Then you simply pug on and the distribution and battery charging are hardwired and protected throughout the boat....

I think you are thinking/saying this, but just to make sure, even with the boat wired like above I feel that you for sure want GFI protection in the boat first thing between the thru-hull and the rest of the wiring and I'd also do it on the shore side myself,

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

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[Andre Emmenegger]

Defiantly GFI protected. When done right this is the best way.

However to prevent drilling and keep the costs way down, I wanted to make sure the portable way with the cord and GFI box was OK also.

[Divecoz]

Not to be a pain in the neck............BUT lets go over this one more time..

In "many" cases, Your Marina will require an Approved Marine Grade Cord. Not All but MANY WILL.. That Cord will be ROUND... Yellow or White and is no less than 30 Amps with a Twist Lock Male End to connect a the Pedestal.. ( any other color ( or flat cord) is a dead give-away and may not be accepted)
You REALLY want to be aware of what you have ( power? ) 110 V.A.C. and that it has proper polarity...at the pedestal.. ( House Power) is it GFI protected? Even if it is YOU want to be GFI protected on your own..First in line.. That's to say in front of anything YOU plug in for your needs..
ON THE CHEAPYou Might consider this as ONE option.
Cutting off that Twist lock female end and replacing it with a Weather proof box.. Making the cord connection to the box with a Cord Grip http://www.elecdirect.com/catalog/599c0 ... 3dab6.aspx
Then add your typical Duplex GFI .. You will need a cover and the one supplied with the GFI is plenty good enough..Its safe The GFI is total protection..
You now have a Protected source for two plug in devices..
Do you have an On Board Battery Charger?
IMHO.. and according to "Most" printed directions ( TTBOMK ) you will find a wire ( very possibly black) that they ( the manufacturer )recommends attaching to the negative side of your 12 V .D.C. System.
I and many others here have Hard Wired A?C and D/C systems On Board.. Lots of ideas and hints to be found on this board..

[Divecoz]

Sumner did they give you permission to close that wall up??

[Sumner]

Sumner did they give you permission to close that wall up??

Well actually the wall comes off anytime if I want it to. The inspector had no problems, but I'll bite, what don't you like?

Sum

[jschrade]

This is the easiest way to get it done. I suspect you could do it cheaper but not easier. My friend used this to add shore power in under two hours to his boat.

http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/ezac.asp

You don't HAVE to do a permanent mount it is much more convenient.

Jim

[Divecoz]

$$$ But I admit , its a nice looking package..

This is the easiest way to get it done. I suspect you could do it cheaper but not easier. My friend used this to add shore power in under two hours to his boat.

http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/ezac.asp

You don't HAVE to do a permanent mount it is much more convenient.

Jim

[Catigale]

You need a quick way to be able to positively disconnect the shore power from your boat power ..and finding a plug up on deck doesn't cut it.

With a full installation, you have a dual pole main disconnect mounted in a known, easily accessible location, so that in the event of an electrical fire you can cut the juice quickly and then deal with the fire. Remember that you can't tell an AC fire from a DC fire, and you don't want to spend time guessing.

Please think this through if you are doing one of the one the cheap solutions.

[Divecoz]

You need a quick way to be able to positively disconnect the shore power from your boat power ..and finding a plug up on deck doesn't cut it.

OK But I am not wearing a Helmet ,Full Flame Suit and Shoes and mounting a Chrome fire extinguisher and a Halotron II Fire suppression system in the car..or my boat ...But I can hit the button on the GFI and cut the power for you.. : )

With a full installation, you have a dual pole main disconnect mounted in a known, easily accessible location, so that in the event of an electrical fire you can cut the juice quickly and then deal with the fire. Remember that you can't tell an AC fire from a DC fire, and you don't want to spend time guessing.

Allow me to ask you? How are you cutting the power AT the batteries and Isolating them from each other with that Panel?? I need to see pictures of your set up, I'm a visual kind of guy..

Please think this through if you are doing one of the one the cheap solutions.

[Divecoz]

OK Guys.....I went, and I looked closer at that Panel.. That Panel Does NOT protect your DC system...IT DOES feed 20 amp GCFI's with 30 Amps...
So for $350 you get a Nice.... S.S. cover $5 ( machine stamped by the thousands you'll have to make your own) and a 30 amp Breaker
( hummmm...and I actually looked on line @ Home Depot..for these RETAIL off the shelf prices) $3 to $8 for the single and $12 for the double pole breaker .. a Cute Red Polarity assurance telltale..( if you need one or want one? You'll just have to Direct / hard wire a GCFI and Polarity tester in line... $9) or just Plug it in to the First IN LINE... GCFI ..... and 6 ( $12 GCFI's ) and "some " # 10 Marine Grade cable..
Doesn't protect 12V system in any way...
Does this seem a little high? Poorly designed ? You feed a 20 amp GCFI with a 30 amp breaker?? For $350 Really?? Very first thing you need to do is rip out and toss in the garbage....that 30 amp breaker and buy and install a 20 amp..... I mean we are talking proper installation and safety right?
Humm putting #10 Stranded Tinned wire ,under screws meant to attach #12 Non Tinned should be at least Interesting??
BTW dont try to get THAT system by Any Electrical Inspector .. AND .... The 30 Amp feed has been an issue I have brought up here numerous times...havent I???

[Highlander]

Here's my set-up
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010044.jpg

This electrical sells for around 500$ I picked it up new from my marina flea market for 50$ I beleive
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010074.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010073.jpg

I have two of these electric panels one at the forward V-Berth & one at the dinnette they are combined 110v & 12volt outlets in each
cost me new 25$ same place
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010014.jpg

pays to be patient & shop around although deals like that are hard to find

J

[Divecoz]

NOW we're talkin !!

Here's my set-up
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010044.jpg
I have the same one ..mounted forward instead of aft .. worked in my slip best..
This electrical sells for around 500$ I picked it up new from my marina flea market for 50$ I beleive
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010074.jpg
For $50!!!! I'll Buy 10! For $500 forgettaboutit!!

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010073.jpg

I have two of these electric panels one at the forward V-Berth & one at the dinnette they are combined 110v & 12volt outlets in each
cost me new 25$ same place
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010014.jpg
I'll take 10 of these as well for that price..
pays to be patient & shop around although deals like that are hard to find
Yes it does and yes they are..J

John you found great deals and for those prices... all that stuff under.. $200!! I'm in.. Shelf price of $1000 TOO rich for my blood I fold..

[beene]

You just need to go shopping with john 1 time....

and you will soon see how he gets those deals.....

...... its a Scottish thing.....

Could also be he is wearing a kilt at the time....

G