AC Questions

[CharlieJ]

Gord-Yes. It appears that they have met the requirements for UL and UL Marine tests, which is a lot different (and less expensive) then being UL Listed and they "comply" with ABYC requirements by virtue of the independent third party testing perfomed by the IMANNA Lab. See the July 9, 2009 entry at: News About SmartPlug Systems Also note that unlike galvanic isolators (ABYC A-28) or the work in progress standard for battery switches (E-1107) there is no detailed test criteria provided in E-11 for shore power plugs and receptacles.

That being said, E-11.6.3.1.2.1 certainly implies that grounding and locking fittings with a male inlet and female inlet are acceptable:

11.6.3.1.2.1 Except where the shore power cable is permanently connected to the boat, the boat end of this cable shall be terminated with a locking and grounding female type connector to match the boat
power inlet. (See FIGURE 13 and FIGURE 14)

...that is until the cited section completes with the referenced figures that show standard NEMA fittings.

Are they compliant or are the standards behind the state of the art? I will say that I have replaced a very large number of 30A/125V and 50A/250V inlets and cable ends that showed signs of heat stress from scorching, to overheating through the spectrum to a molten fire causing mess. This new kit looks to be a solid improvement.

By the way, E-11 is out for comments as we speak.

Best regards,
Charlie