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Old 05-05-2014, 07:55   #1
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Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

I'm purchasing a boat that is set up for European power (French built). I'd like to be able to use the HVAC system and other systems while docked, and without having to run the genset. This means using a transformer to convert 120V to 240V, but this won't change the frequency (50Hz to 60Hz) and some motors are negatively affected.

I'm considering converting the boat to 60Hz: genset engine speed change, some other components will adapt to 60Hz - HVAC, TV, Microwave. Still looking into water maker but also considering replacing with 12V unit. Inverter/charger is more difficult (Heart Interface Freedom 20, not supported by Xantrex).

I'm looking for ideas and experiences of other boaters on how to adapt to the different electrical power.

Thanks
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Old 05-05-2014, 09:54   #2
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Any big motors will have to be changed from 220V/50Hz to 220V/60Hz. Small AC motors might be ok, but big ones like on the A/C will have to be changed.

Since your boat was set up for European 220V power you have no 110V capability. But if you add some US appliances you may need to provide for it. US 220V power has two hots, a neutral and a ground wire. Hot to neutral provides 110V. European only has a hot a neutral and a ground so you can't get 110V. You will have to rewire your incoming 220V power to achieve that.

David
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Old 05-05-2014, 12:57   #3
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

We've already conceded that appliances like hair dryers, TVs, and portable items will need to be European versions, or with appropriate plug adapters. I believe a lot of electronic items (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) are already capable of sensing and adapting to 220-240V 60Hz.

Xantrex doesn't make an inverter with 240V output compatible with European wiring. Any suggestions for alternatives?

Are there any concerns with grounding, circuit protection of a 120-240V transformer?

Thanks
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Old 05-05-2014, 16:20   #4
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Quote:
Originally Posted by peteatbeach View Post
We've already conceded that appliances like hair dryers, TVs, and portable items will need to be European versions, or with appropriate plug adapters. I believe a lot of electronic items (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) are already capable of sensing and adapting to 220-240V 60Hz.



Xantrex doesn't make an inverter with 240V output compatible with European wiring. Any suggestions for alternatives?



Are there any concerns with grounding, circuit protection of a 120-240V transformer?



Thanks

Xantrek make prosine and they are available in 230 vac

Dave
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Old 05-05-2014, 18:10   #5
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Check here:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...0v-121797.html
I think there is more on this in the electrical forum.
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Old 05-05-2014, 18:38   #6
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Are you going to use a transformer?
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Old 06-05-2014, 05:48   #7
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Hello,

I m using a reverse adapter from marinco on my boat, so he is still in 220v, but i don t run AC... Don t have any problem in the last 3 years....

Franck



The Reverse “Y” RY504-2-30 Adapter has two male plugs with special power isolation circuitry for added safety. When one plug is connected to a receptacle, the circuitry isolates the second plug. The reverse “Y” provides 50A 125/250V power when only two 30A 125V receptacles are available. Note: Reverse “Y” will NOT work with 50A, 125V , 3-wire inlets. Power is provided in both circuits to the 4-wire inlet, but the dock side receptacles limit the current in each circuit to 30A. The two 30A 125V receptacles must be supplied from a single power source providing from 208V to 250V between them for proper operation.
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Old 06-05-2014, 13:03   #8
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US

Your wire size in the boat is too small for 120 vac. You would have to rewire for everything that you want to run 120 vac from the shore inlet. At 240 vac an isolation transformer will only help if your appliances are 50/60 hz.. The easiest way would be with an ASEAS shore power converter, it will take anything coming in and convert volts and hz. It also provides the advantages of an isolation transformer for corrosion and safety. It weight about the same as a transformer, 250lbs. , but will cost about 25k installed.
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