Changing AC from 100v 50hz to 120v 60hz

[Bodega Bob]

Howdy folks -

I need a wee bit of adult supervision!

I'm looking at a boat with a 100v 50hz AC system. I would like to replace that with a 110/120v 60hz system. Excluding the 50hz dependent appliances, what will I have to replace in addition to the inverter/charger?

Would the shore power system be effected by this change?

Much mahalo for any knowledge or experience you can share!

B.

[svlamorocha]

You MAY need to replace wires with heftier wires. In order to know if this will be necessary you need to look at the markings in the wires that go a) from the panel to the water heater b) from the panel to outlets and other loads and c) from shorepower inlet to the panel. You are looking for labels that say "2.5", "4", "6", etc square milimeters. If you can specify that boat make and model we can be more specific.

[svlamorocha]

You will have to replace the AC element of the water heater, but do not do that without checking that the wire gauge is sufficient.

[Paul L]

It takes a larger wire to deliver the same power at lower voltage, so your 100v wiring should be the same size as 120v (or perhaps a little large). So there should be no problem with wire size. Check that the breakers are rated for 120v 60hz.

[svlamorocha]

I assumed you meant to say 240V aka 220V instead of 100V.

[Bodega Bob]

svlamorocha - 100v 50hz. Thx for the tip on the water heater.

Paul L. THX for the wire gauge clarification.

Can you clarify the effect on the breakers in the distribution panel? They care only about amperage, correct?

Amp = volt x watt. A 30 amp fuse trips @ 30 amps no matter what combination of voltage & wattage produces it?

Any insight on the effect this change would have on the existing shore power set up? Are there any bits that would need to be changed in that system?

Much mahalo for the help!
B.

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by Bodega Bob

svlamorocha - 100v 50hz.

What sort of boat came with a 100V 50Hz electrical system?

[a64pilot]

I've never heard of 100V 50 hz, where is that the standard?

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I've never heard of 100V 50 hz, where is that the standard?

Japan

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Bodega Bob

Howdy folks -

I need a wee bit of adult supervision!

I'm looking at a boat with a 100v 50hz AC system. I would like to replace that with a 110/120v 60hz system. Excluding the 50hz dependent appliances, what will I have to replace in addition to the inverter/charger?

Would the shore power system be effected by this change?

Much mahalo for any knowledge or experience you can share!

B.

You should not have to change anything except the 50hz appliances and the shore power inlet.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

You should not have to change anything except the 50hz appliances and the shore power inlet.

These days, most appliances are made multi frequency (50 & 60Hz) at the factory if also exported.

It is cheaper for them to standardise parts.

However they are labeled and advertised with the local frequency so that national distributers can get the local safety certificates cheaper and easier.

Test them first, before replacing.
You may not have any problem

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Bodega Bob

.....

Amp = volt x watt. ......

Small correction; Amp = watt/volt

[roland stockham]

Depending on what appliances you have it can be easier to fit a 220v inverter rather than change equipment. Also improves isolation from shore power. I run all 'mains services' from the onboard inverter. The battery charger is the only item connected to shore power. Effectively the same as using an isolation transformer but lighter and cheaper. If you also need 120v add a second inverter

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Depending on what appliances you have it can be easier to fit a 220v inverter rather than change equipment. Also improves isolation from shore power. I run all 'mains services' from the onboard inverter. The battery charger is the only item connected to shore power. Effectively the same as using an isolation transformer but lighter and cheaper. If you also need 120v add a second inverter

Why would the op need a 220v inverter when the original voltage is 100?

It is close enough to North American voltage to not be an issue.

[roland stockham]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Why would the op need a 220v inverter when the original voltage is 100?

It is close enough to North American voltage to not be an issue.

Because the 100v is a typo, there is no such thing as 100v AC, never heard of 100v dc systems either. It is either 120v for N American standard or 240v for European.
It is possible the op has measured the actual voltage coming out of the dock receptical on a pontoon and found it to be 100v which is not uncommon but it is still nominally 120v. (also a reason I prefer my own inverter as a power source!!)