Strange AC reading?

[Pendragon35]

I was on my boat (Alberg 35) today and I noticed the meter for the AC coming in was reading 100 volts instead of 125. It's a standard 30 amp service. Now the boat is in Baltimore, where it's been raining steadily for days. I did try making sure both plugs on the shore power cord were solidly connected. Any ideas on what would cause this? I really don't know anything about AC systems.

[Fiveslide]

Should be relatively easy for an experienced electrician to narrow down the problem. Could be several things though, and since you claim zero experience, get some help with it.

I had a switch go bad once, everything between the switch and the water heater only had about 55 volts on it.

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[pesarsten]

Any chance you can get a few of your neighboring boats to check their meters to see if they read low, thus indicating a problem outside of your boat. I would also ask the marina to check the power. Should be very easy for then to stick meter leads in an outlet.

[boatpoker]

Buy a volt meter ($30) and check voltage at the shore power post. if thats ok plug in your cord and check voltage at other end of cord. if thats ok, plug it in and check voltage at panel. Somewhere along there you'll find the problem.

If this is too much for you, hire someone or you may hurt yourself. Hang over their shoulder and learn a thing or two.

[Pendragon35]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Buy a volt meter ($30) and check voltage at the shore power post. if thats ok plug in your cord and check voltage at other end of cord. if thats ok, plug it in and check voltage at panel. Somewhere along there you'll find the problem.

If this is too much for you, hire someone or you may hurt yourself. Hang over their shoulder and learn a thing or two.

Good advice, thanks I think I'll take it.