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

[Morrissey]

I have a motorcruiser which is 110 v AC that I want to bring back to Australia. There are a few nice things on board that run on 110 v AC that I'd rather not have to replace, including a few fridges can also run on 12 v DC.

Ideally what I would like to do is have some limited 110 v AC on board with a new switchpanel, possibly in the engine room. I could have a shore connector for while still in the USA but would mostly run this AC equipment from a 2000W inverter. Then I would have the main switchpanel setup for 240 v, and run systems such as washer and other assorted equipment from it, have a 240v inverter/charger, use a 240 v genny etc.

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

A second issue is that some of the 110v wiring is buried behind bulkheads, under the sole etc and may not be able to be readily replaced. Is it possible to tag such wiring (which has wrong conductor insulation colours but adequate current capacity for 240v) and use correctly coloured 240v wiring where it is accessible?

I would appreciate any links to relevant expertise in Queensland, or feedback from others who have dealt with this problem.

Thanks - Brian

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Insequent

..........
I would appreciate any links to relevant expertise in Queensland, or feedback from others who have dealt with this problem.

Thanks - Brian

Sorry but I don't meet your requirements but.......
I would have thought that providing your vessel is for private (recreational) use only and you are not connected to the grid, you could do whatever you wanted. Having said that, the "new" Qld probably has different ideas about what one can or cannot do behind closed doors. Of course any part of the system that is connected to the grid will have to be certified regardless.

Good luck with your inquiry!

[dirkdig]

Just get a stepdown transformer from 240v to 110v.
When the toaster breaks get another from the usa.
Personally wold not bother changing or upgrading anything to 240.
Tv,laptop,i pad charger all that gear runs off 110 to 240.
Most marine batterery charger are multivoltage to work in many countries.
Plenty of import 110v boats getting around with no issues.

[Mr B]

Does your inverter have a 110 240 switch on the back off it,

I got a 240 to 110 plug from the supermarket to plug in aussie gear,
The 110 wiring is heavier than 240.

Mine all drowned, Thats why I am changing to 240, Plus I am in Oz, Other wise it would have stayed 110.

[dirkdig]

My inverter is hard wired so as far as i know its 240 v only.
Since you are going 240 then its all easy gettng around Oz.
Still plenty of fluctuating voltages in marinas in Oz,new and old marinas too.

[Mr B]

240 is only for plug ins, Micro wave, Hair dryer, Toaster, Computer, Etc,

A lot of inverters have a two way switch on the back of them, 110 240,
My Xantex 2000 Watt 110 volt USA model didnt,

I am fully self contained for power, I dont need shore power,
Wind, Solar and Genny off the main engine, All connected, I dont run out of power,
I have a Gas fridge, All pumps, water maker, Equipt, Etc are 12 Volt,

All internal Electrics are hard wired.

[dirkdig]

Guys i know with 110v boats are just ordering appliances from the usa.cheap and easy.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by dirkdig

Guys i know with 110v boats are just ordering appliances from the usa.cheap and easy.

Can't see the point of importing cheap 110v stuff the carraige costs alone would buy a toaster locally.

Dave

[dirkdig]

Local 240v toasters wont work that good on 110 v boat?

[Mr B]

You can buy 110 stuff cheaply in Oz,

Usaully the stuff you have will last for years. any way,

[goboatingnow]

Yes but the OP is right re rig the boat for 110 and 220v. Then small appliances bought cheap locally can be used yet you can keep the more expensive built in 110v stuff as well

Dave

[dirkdig]

Cool, i magine resale time dependant on the boat both voltages would appeal to certain buyers looking to go around the world

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Insequent

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

A second issue is that some of the 110v wiring is buried behind bulkheads, under the sole etc and may not be able to be readily replaced. Is it possible to tag such wiring (which has wrong conductor insulation colours but adequate current capacity for 240v) and use correctly coloured 240v wiring where it is accessible?

I would appreciate any links to relevant expertise in Queensland, or feedback from others who have dealt with this problem.

Thanks - Brian

I think the OP is more interested in the potential legalities of the situation rather than the electrical / practical aspects.

[dirkdig]

No issues as they are no pluging in.
Only issue import wise may be woodwork and the type of refridgerant?

[delcrest]

remember the 110 v is 60hz against the 240 volt 50hz, transformers will run hot and motor speeds will change, will be a problem with all equipment using electric mptors, the wire size should be fine as the 110 volt will draw more current (amps) than the 220 volt system (watta = volt x amps)