Is it possible to have both 110v and 240v approved in Australia?

[Mr B]

Because mine was written off, and has to be rebuilt to Aussie standards and survey to be reinsured,

Mine will be 240, Other wise it would stay 110.

[speciald@ocens.]

I would use your batteries (charged with 220 50 cycle chargers0 to run a 110 v 60 cycle inverter to power your 110 v appliances. It will take a large inverter but you won't have the problem of running 60 cycle motors, etc with 50 cycle current. A step down transormer will change voltage but not cycles.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Insequent

......... My question really is whether Australia, and Queensland in particular, would accept it provided both the 110v and 240v installations are certified...............

It would seem so, the link is heavy reading but I did find this on page 160 and this was the only reference that I found that seems to apply to your situation "(3) The person must ensure the installation of the private
generating plant is in accordance with the requirements of the
wiring rules.
Maximum penalty for subsection (3)—40 penalty units."

So if it i.a.w. the wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000) and AS/NZS 3004, it should be good.

I haven't been able to work out if any of this covers 110 VAC, 60 Hz.
The link is http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LE...tricalSR02.pdf

For specific rules pertaining to boats in Qld have a look at MSQ's MIB http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/ba...s_licences.pdf

[Mr B]

It would need an isolating switch that can only be used with one voltage at a time,
Licenced Electrician can install that for you with no problems,

Switch, $30-00, Electrician, Approx $100 an hour, Plus travel.

[Insequent]

Thanks for the replies folks. Cruising/off-grid is easy. I would have 3 independent systems, 12v and the two different AC ones. No switching between them, either AC can charge the batteries via different chargers.

For my own peace of mind, and for safety I will need to label the wiring. Seeing a black wire and wondering whether it is 12v neg or 110v hot isn't good - it needs to be obvious. There will be a lot of work just doing that - the boat is 30 years old, has had a large variety of people work on it adding stuff. And occasionally some have not followed the wiring colour code standards.

Its when connected to shore power while in Marina's that it could be problematic, from regulatory and/or insurance angles. And possibly for selling, although that isn't on the agenda any time soon.

This thing has two gennies and a total of 20 batteries including the two in the dinghy. Lots of flexibility to configure the way I would like. I have in mind using the existing 2000W inverter/charger coupled to the 2.5kW genny, and putting in a new and larger 240 v inverter/charger coupled to the 7.5 kW genny and shore power. I will change the washer to a front-loader, mainly as they use a lot less water and my holding tank is just way too small at present. The dryer works well so less inclined to change it out. Other stuff I would prefer not to replace until it dies, hence some effort to have a compliant dual AC voltage set-up.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Insequent

Thanks for the replies folks. Cruising/off-grid is easy. ............

I hear you and agree with you but let me add one extra data point. You boat is required to meet the above standards whether it is off grid or on grid.

You may not care so much when off grid and I understand that .

[Dockhead]

If you have a separate generator and separate inverter/charger for each system I don't see any technical problem with your idea (I recognize that wasn't really your question). But it sure adds a lot of complication!!! I guess less complication than ripping out the 110v stuff and replacing all of it, but I personally wouldn't really want a boat with such a complicated electrical system -- what I've got with 230v, 24v, and 12v on board is already excessively complicated as far as I'm concerned.

[AllezCat]

I have the opposite situation - brought european boat into usa-230/24 - with some 110/12.
Had 1 230/24 combo inverter/charger. And one 110 /24 charger.
I installed 24/110 inverter. So glad i did. Importing appliances? No way . So much easier to buy cheap and local.
Usa has dc safety wire. Red/yellow so there is no mistakes with 110 active.
I would keep quiet- no need to actively have .gov come on your boat...

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Mr B

It would need an isolating switch that can only be used with one voltage at a time,
Licenced Electrician can install that for you with no problems,

Switch, $30-00, Electrician, Approx $100 an hour, Plus travel.

Theres no need, each system is separate anyway

dave