Originally posted by: graybear Just got to the
boat last weekend for the first time this season. When we arrived
the shore power wan not hooked up.
Is this normal, or did someone disconnect your shore
power?
Originally posted by: graybear
I had assumed that each part of the system ran a different part of
the boat electrical system. But the appear to run it all from
either side. Have any of you ever encountered this problem?
Normally, that is the case. It is common to have the A/C on one
circuit and everything else on the other.
On the dock side, it is common for the power to be distributed as
220 volt, dual phase. WIth this setup either "hot" to neutral
provides 110 volt and "hot to hot" provides 220. To keep the
load balanced and to provide maximum flexibility the two "hot" legs
are connected to each of the 30 amp outlets. Those who have
boats that need 220 can buy a Y adapter that plugs into both 110
outlets and combines it for 220.
If this worked last year then either the dock has been rewired or
you boat has. Clearly, both of your shore power connectors
are somehow connected together, either by some intentional action
or by something shorting together. As long as you only plug
in one cord everything is fine. But when you plug both in the two
"hot" lines fight each other and you have a 220 volt short.
I would say that the mechanic from the marina is NOT an
electrician! You don't have a short to ground, you have a
short from Hot to Hot. Get your boat fixed ASAP!
Rod