AC Distribution Panels

[rgleason]

OK,
I had a tough location problem figuring out how to fit a modern 120vac EFCI GFCI Main Panel into our small boat. I had the BlueSeas panel picked out, but had difficulty finding a location in the main cabin. As it was, the back of the panel would have been in one of the cockpit lockers. I just found this WP unit. It is expensive, but mounting an enclosed WP panel in the cockpit locker is a much better solution for us. Blue Seas 120vac-30a-ELCI-Main-AC-Panel in Enclosure 3116

3 Breakers
- Sterling Charger 1240
- Refrigerator
- Receptacles
- Hot Water Tank heater
Only missing one breaker.

Question: Would there be any reason to change to 120/240 50A? It is a very simple system. What would be the advantage? Would plugging into shore power internationally be any easier?

[bglad]

You have a very simple system. Unless you plan to grow it a bunch (add AC for example) I do not see why you would want to go to a 50-amp inlet. 30-amp cord is much lighter and easier to stow. I am sure space is at a premium in your classic 32' sailing vessel.

Originally Posted by rgleason

OK,
I had a tough location problem figuring out how to fit a modern 120vac EFCI GFCI Main Panel into our small boat. I had the BlueSeas panel picked out, but had difficulty finding a location in the main cabin. As it was, the back of the panel would have been in one of the cockpit lockers. I just found this WP unit. It is expensive, but mounting an enclosed WP panel in the cockpit locker is a much better solution for us. Blue Seas 120vac-30a-ELCI-Main-AC-Panel in Enclosure 3116

3 Breakers
- Sterling Charger 1240
- Refrigerator
- Receptacles
- Hot Water Tank heater
Only missing one breaker.

Question: Would there be any reason to change to 120/240 50A? It is a very simple system. What would be the advantage? Would plugging into shore power internationally be any easier?

[CharlieJ]

Would plugging into shore power internationally be any easier?

Note that the BS ELCI may not be rated for 50Hz. I just looked at their data sheet and could not find a frequency spec. Best call Blue Sea Tech Support if you plan on using this overseas.

[rgleason]

Their tech call center is jammed. I have emailed.

[rgleason]

Have been advised the elci 30a 120v is only 60hz and I must go up to 50a 240v to get 50hz.

Its a small boat and with 3 circuits maybe 4. I don't need it.
I just want to connect the charger to power the dc in the boat! Must be some way to do this. - I do know about the Victron Isolation transformer as a possibility. More weight, no room, more expensive.

I believe I'd have to change all shorepower too.

[rgleason]

Rick, No the 3116 has a 120 VAC 60 Hz breaker in it. The 3113 blank panel can have on of the 230 VAC 50 hz. Below is a link to all the ELCI breakers we carry. Take a look and please ask any questions you may have. https://www.bluesea.com/products/cat.../ELCI_and_GFCI


To Blue Sea:
The sloop has 30a 125v old main panel. I was going to update it.
I had hoped to be able to plug into Europeean Marinas. To do that does it mean that I have to increase to 50a 240v?
It is small and does not have all the dystems bigger boats have.
120v panel
1 charger
2 two receptacles
3. Refridge
4. Hot water coil ( not really necessary)
Is there some other way to do this?
My charger is Sterling pro ultra 40 amp and it can plug in to global ac power sources! How can I use that to power the boat?

Rick,
It’s the ELCI. The processor in the breakers is voltage and Frequency dependent. We worked with several military groups that needed to power on both continents. We ended up with two shore power inlets and ELCI’s, then a switch to power the charger and they had a transformer that altered the power to US if 230 50 hz was feed.

Best Regards,
Kevin Patterson