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05-05-2014, 07:55
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Back in Virginia (missing the Carib)
Boat: Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 Maestro
Posts: 70
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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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05-05-2014, 09:54
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Oriental, NC
Boat: Mainship Pilot 34
Posts: 1,461
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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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05-05-2014, 12:57
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Back in Virginia (missing the Carib)
Boat: Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 Maestro
Posts: 70
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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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05-05-2014, 16:20
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#4
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Nearly an old salt
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lefkas Marina ,Greece
Boat: Bavaria 36
Posts: 22,801
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US
Quote:
Originally Posted by peteatbeach
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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Xantrek make prosine and they are available in 230 vac
Dave
__________________
Interested in smart boat technology, networking and all things tech
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05-05-2014, 18:10
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Boat: 34' Crowther tri sold 16' Kayak now
Posts: 5,067
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US
__________________
Slowly going senile but enjoying the ride.
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05-05-2014, 18:38
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cowichan Bay, BC (Maple Bay Marina)
Posts: 9,703
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Re: Adapting/Dealing with 240V 50Hz boat in the US
Are you going to use a transformer?
__________________
Stu Jackson
Catalina 34 #224 (1986) C34IA Secretary
Cowichan Bay, BC, SR/FK, M25, Rocna 10 (22#) (NZ model)
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06-05-2014, 05:48
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#7
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Quebec
Boat: lagoon 470
Posts: 22
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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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06-05-2014, 13:03
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 190
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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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