DIY Shore Power Install

[Wind Chime]

It seems clear to me now (thanks to all the posts) that bonding the grounds between the AC and DC systems is a best practice approach, and safest for everyone while connected to AC shore power.

But it sounds like doing this increases the galvanic current, that will increase corrosion. A galvanic isolator may resolve this but may be pricey.

Is and isolator required or worth the extra cost?

[Sumner]

....it sounds like doing this increases the galvanic current, that will increase corrosion. A galvanic isolator may resolve this but may be pricey.

Is and isolator required or worth the extra cost?

Is the boat in the water all the time? If so what is in the water all the time that can conduct the current? On an X or M is the outboard submersed all the time or out of the water? You do have a zinc on it I would imagine? I'd probably not address what might not be a problem but look for signs that it might be taking place.

A vast majority of boats in a marina that this applies to have thru-hulls and props and shafts that are in the water all the time,

Sum

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Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[Tomfoolery]

Sumner beat me to it, so I'll just reiterate that if the things that you're worried about corrosion on can be retracted when shore power is applied (outboard, mainly), then it's not likely to be a problem, and an isolator is not warranted.

[Russ]

My outboard motor mount is always wet. It also has a zink.

[Wind Chime]

AC Distribution Breaker Panel

I've been leaning towards the Blue Sea 8043 breaker panel.
https://www.bluesea.com/products/8043/T ... _Voltmeter

Recently I ran across a similar product from Paneltronics without the meter.
http://www.go2marine.com/product/98864F ... onics.html

With being so tight for space on a Mac, the Paneltronics is smaller (no meter) and a little less money.
I really do not see the need for a meter with AC as mandatory. DC yes, I can see advantage to have a meter.

Anyone know anything about Paneltronics?
Any burning need for an AC meter?

[Russ]

I like that one without the meter. Who cares what the ac voltage is. And you can't do anything about it anyway.

[Tomfoolery]

I like that one without the meter. Who cares what the ac voltage is. And you can't do anything about it anyway.

The Blue Seas unit RobertB linked to is only $107 on Amazon, and a similar unit without the meter is $145. More money for no meter, but it's smaller.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... 99R5QTS414

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... as+PN+1206

And I agree - I'd rather have an ammeter than a voltmeter, but I've had boats with installed appliances and 30A shore power (like most) with no meter, and never needed it. Just be aware of how much load you're putting on it. No harm in having a voltmeter, but if I could pay less to not have one, that's how I'd go. Doesn't look like that with Blue Seas, though.

[RobertB]

Big difference in the two units is two branch breakers versus three.

[Sumner]

Big difference in the two units is two branch breakers versus three.

Do both of those panels trip the hot and the neutral or do you have to buy another switch to use before the panel to do that?

Sumner

============================
Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[RobertB]

I believe both have double throw main breakers. Branch breakers are single throw.
I may end up getting the $100 one - even though I would rather have three branch breakers, the low profile switches are less likely to get tripped where I plan to install it - under the lowest ladder rung (I am really running out of places to put stuff!)

BTW, I checked my current wiring - both my battery charger case ground and the AC ground (green) are connected to the DC negative bus bar. Nice when one figures out we did something right.....except for that omission of the polarity indicator and main breaker.

[Russ]

And I agree - I'd rather have an ammeter than a voltmeter, but I've had boats with installed appliances and 30A shore power (like most) with no meter, and never needed it. Just be aware of how much load you're putting on it. No harm in having a voltmeter, but if I could pay less to not have one, that's how I'd go. Doesn't look like that with Blue Seas, though.

Yea, why don't they put an ammeter on these things. That would be more useful. Voltmeter is interesting, but like I said, unless voltage is below 100, what good is knowing the voltage. If your dock has low voltage, you can't do much about it except complain. I guess if all your slipmates are sucking the juice out of the line and your voltage drops, it might be good to know. Might be more common in old marinas with subpar electrical.

That's a great deal on a panel. 2 gangs is plenty for our boats. 1 for battery charger 1 for outlets. Unless you have lots of heavy appliances, 15 amps ought to do you.

Gotta love Amazon. Great price too. I like the low profile appearance of this one.

[RobertB]

While current may be nice to know from an energy usage point of view (is my cord the right size?), voltage is important to protect your appliances. Running something with an electric motor under voltage is most likely to destroy the motor due to high current/heat. Other electronics may not operate properly on low voltage.

[Russ]

While current may be nice to know from an energy usage point of view (is my cord the right size?), voltage is important to protect your appliances. Running something with an electric motor under voltage is most likely to destroy the motor due to high current/heat. Other electronics may not operate properly on low voltage.

Good point. I guess my head is still in the 12v realm where amperage and usage is important. I hadn't thought of undervoltage damage from AC.

Many moons ago we had a junky extension cord going to a junky dockside standard outlet. Running a space heater off the thing was dicey. Don't think they even had GFI plugs back then.

Now, everyone in the marina has their air conditioners running, TVs, you name it. I'm sure there are voltage drops at peak times.

[Highlander]

here,s my set-up
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010025.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010044.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010078.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010077.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010073.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 2d2403.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010019.jpg

here,s an old vid of my cooler/fridge & batt charger outlets plus I have 3 gic outlets
http://vid235.photobucket.com/albums/ee ... 010001.mp4

Hope this gives u some Idea,s
J

[Wind Chime]

Great advice and ideas folks, as always ... I've learned a lot in this thread.

Does anyone have photos of how they have run the cables in the bilge, under the galley, head or dinette. I'd like to see how you've supported the AC wires.