up-grading my 120A/C

A forum for discussing boat or trailer repairs or modifications that you have made or are considering.
Post Reply
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

when I installed this main switch I was not happy with the open back concept but at the time could not find an already made backing cover other than some cheap plastic liner types from seadog or other whitch was ok for 12volt systems I guess ? :? . I did find some elect. boxes which would have done the job made for hydro solar installations but at $340.00 us I kept lookin :o
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010072.jpg

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

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010074.jpg

So after much seaching I found this project box at sayal & turned it into my electrical box
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... c8btk3.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... wpws4b.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 5v9vr9.jpg

now have to go & dig out one of my 6" access cover plates that I have in storage which colour match the liner to cover up that hole
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... xx2lsg.jpg

J 8)
User avatar
Tomfoolery
Admiral
Posts: 6135
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 7:42 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Tomfoolery »

That's a nice looking panel, John.

Oddly, the boats I've had or worked on with shore power connections have all had open-back breaker panels, and were in the same space as the 12V stuff. Different panels, of course, but same cavity, usually at the navigation table. Our electrical code (and presumably yours, too) doesn't permit exposed connections, let alone power and distribution panels open in the back with no enclosure, nor does it allow low-voltage or DC in the same box as line voltage without a physical barrier.

But boats do this all the time. Granted, they're not subject to the NEC/CEC as the shore power pedestals back to the service conductors from the utility transformer wiring is, but it always strikes me as odd. And buildings don't normally even flex and move (except in California :wink: ).
Last edited by Tomfoolery on Mon Feb 20, 2017 5:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

Tom
I totally agree & whats amazing is if u look at this pic u,ll notice that the 120v outlet has a shielded blue box but the inbound 30amp service wiring is totally open & un-shielded
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010073.jpg

J :?
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

silverfox441
Deckhand
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2016 9:56 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Surrey BC Canada

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by silverfox441 »

Nice work! :wink:
Can i ask what you need the 120v for?
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

silverfox441 wrote:Nice work! :wink:
Can i ask what you need the 120v for?
Shore power when slipped !

J 8)
silverfox441
Deckhand
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2016 9:56 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Surrey BC Canada

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by silverfox441 »

Highlander wrote:
silverfox441 wrote:Nice work! :wink:
Can i ask what you need the 120v for?
Shore power when slipped !

J 8)
I meant beside the charger.
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

I also use my 120vlts when slipped for my fridge /freezer & elect 12/120v cooler & my toaster oven, electric fans & can also run all my 12vlt equipment with out worrying about flat batts !
under dining table
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 2d2403.jpg

aft berth u can also see the plug for the 4 plug extension cord that goes to the galley
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 5v9vr9.jpg

V-Berth
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010025.jpg

Once I get my 3 solar panels installed I,ll have the best of both worlds :)

J 8)
User avatar
Tomfoolery
Admiral
Posts: 6135
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 7:42 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Tomfoolery »

I use 120V for the battery charger, and for the 12V thermoelectric cooler via 120/12V rectifier power supply. And fans. High-powered fans, at the dock. The little 12V fans are great for what they are, but it gets pretty hot at the dock, and I like some Force 6 or better when below decks. 8)
User avatar
Highlander
Admiral
Posts: 5995
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:25 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
Contact:

Re: up-grading my 120A/C

Post by Highlander »

Why not go like Niceaft he goe,s for force #8
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... mS3rDu0V_A

J 8)
Post Reply