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Old 22-10-2016, 05:19   #1
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Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Please forgive the newbie question, I have 30 amp service on board and want to hook up to a nearby 110volt AC scoket. What kind of converter should i use? Is there a risk of damaging my electrical system?
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Old 22-10-2016, 05:28   #2
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

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Originally Posted by RKsailsolo View Post
Please forgive the newbie question, I have 30 amp service on board and want to hook up to a nearby 110volt AC scoket. What kind of converter should i use? Is there a risk of damaging my electrical system?

30 amp is 110 volt. The socket you're most likely looking at is 15 or 20 amp.

Use this and you'll be fine (just be sure you don't get a reverse polarity light when plugging in)

https://americanboatoutfitters.com/m...FUEvgQodWwUClQ


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Old 24-10-2016, 14:47   #3
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Yes, the Marinco pigtail adapter Sailmonkey referred to is the right thing.

HOWEVER, be very careful not to overload the circuit. Your boat is wired to handle loads up to about 30A. The shore source you're plugging into can only handle a maximum current of 15A or 20A (depending on the circuit). So, you need to be careful what devices/equipment you turn on aboard.

Make a list of the principal equipment aboard using 120VAC current, and find out how much amperage each one draws. Any thing with a heating coil will likely draw a lot of current.

Electric heaters, for example, typically draw about 12-13A so just one of these will get you up to near the maximum you can expect to draw from a 15A shore plug. This leaves very little room for other items.

Coffee pots, microwave ovens, air conditioners, etc. are also high-current items. You need to investigate and find out for sure rather than play electrical roulette and burn something up.

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Old 24-10-2016, 17:48   #4
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Your boat can handle 30A, so you're more likely to blow the 15A or 20A shoreside breaker than actually burn anything up. The risk of fire would only be at the outlet, and then only if there's a poor connection and you're pushing the limit of that circuit. You're very unlikely to be able to overload your shore power cord, connection or breaker panel.

Assuming it's an outdoor outlet, and it's up to code, it's going to have a GFCI. Older boats may trip these. Lots has been written here about that issue, so I won't repeat it.
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Old 25-10-2016, 06:00   #5
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Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Thanks btrayfors, sailmonkey and capn tom. Just want to turn on battery charger to top off bank before I go back in.
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Old 25-10-2016, 06:29   #6
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

You don't even need the pigtail version. I have the socket type, which I assume is cheaper, and it works great.

One Piece Adapter with a 30A 125V Locking Connector and a 15A 125V Straight Blade Plug | Marinco

I only use it to maintain the batteries and run everything else (heaters, tools, etc) directly to (another) 120v circuit if available, or shut off the charger if another is not available.
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Old 25-10-2016, 06:39   #7
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

You can get that adapter at West Marine or any local marine store. Your marina may have one to loan you or one for sale. You should have one of your own in case you need it when traveling.


You don't need to calculate things, just turn off your air conditioner (it won't work out of the water anyway). Don't use an electric stove if you have one. Limit your use of electric heaters.
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Old 25-10-2016, 16:43   #8
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Re: Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Often, the yard has an adapter for loan.
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Old 26-10-2016, 04:49   #9
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Boat on the hard, how to hook up shore power?

Thanks to all of you for good advice.
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