Wondering where the proper place is to ground the AC system. Right now my AC system is very simple. Shore power comes into two breakers which then have wires going to a few wall outlets in the cabin. That's it...but I can't tell where it's grounded to.
I have acquired a nice 3-stage marine battery charger and would like to install. Want to make sure it is done properly. Thanks...
Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
Maestro
1986 32' Sedan
Chrysler 360s
1.5:1 Gears, 16x16 props
1970 28' Express
Single Chrysler 440
1:1 Gear, 14x12 prop
Green Bay, WI
1986 32' Sedan
Chrysler 360s
1.5:1 Gears, 16x16 props
1970 28' Express
Single Chrysler 440
1:1 Gear, 14x12 prop
Green Bay, WI
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- Site Admin
- Posts: 410
- Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:18 am
- Location: Kentucky
Re: Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
You are entering on thin ice. I noticed the first concern.
ABYC/USCG requires you have a Double Pole main breaker (on the boat) A double pole breaker breaks both the Hot and the Neutral.
Your internal AC on board is a Floating neutral which means it is NOT tied to the Safety Ground. When you are on shore power you MUST have a complete safety ground( from the pedestal) to you boat inlet. You also should have a Galvanic Isolator or transformer. This is tied to the Green safety ground and prevents stray DC current from running through your hull. (DC is the bad one for corrosion/AC is the KILLER) When you are connected to shore power the Green Safety ground goes directly back to the shore power pedestal and to an earth ground.
I am NOT MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WIREING. I STRONGLY RECOMEND THAT YOU HAVE A CERIFIED MARINE ELECTRICIAN DO THE WORK OR AT LEAST GUIDE YOU AND INSPECT YOUR INSTALLATION.
You mention that you acauired a marine battery charger. If it is placed in a bilge space should be hard wired to a breaker. (not plugged into an outlet if it is in an unprotected engine/fuel space.
Here is a link to help you get started.
http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Shore-Power
safe boating,
dave
ABYC/USCG requires you have a Double Pole main breaker (on the boat) A double pole breaker breaks both the Hot and the Neutral.
Your internal AC on board is a Floating neutral which means it is NOT tied to the Safety Ground. When you are on shore power you MUST have a complete safety ground( from the pedestal) to you boat inlet. You also should have a Galvanic Isolator or transformer. This is tied to the Green safety ground and prevents stray DC current from running through your hull. (DC is the bad one for corrosion/AC is the KILLER) When you are connected to shore power the Green Safety ground goes directly back to the shore power pedestal and to an earth ground.
I am NOT MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WIREING. I STRONGLY RECOMEND THAT YOU HAVE A CERIFIED MARINE ELECTRICIAN DO THE WORK OR AT LEAST GUIDE YOU AND INSPECT YOUR INSTALLATION.
You mention that you acauired a marine battery charger. If it is placed in a bilge space should be hard wired to a breaker. (not plugged into an outlet if it is in an unprotected engine/fuel space.
Here is a link to help you get started.
http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Shore-Power
safe boating,
dave
1987 Marinette 29 FB Sedan
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
Re: Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
Dave, your wisdom is always appreciated...thank you.
So far everything I am finding indicates that the AC ground (with Galvanic Isolator properly installed) should connect to the engine negative terminal.
Is this proper on our boats?
So far everything I am finding indicates that the AC ground (with Galvanic Isolator properly installed) should connect to the engine negative terminal.
Is this proper on our boats?
Maestro
1986 32' Sedan
Chrysler 360s
1.5:1 Gears, 16x16 props
1970 28' Express
Single Chrysler 440
1:1 Gear, 14x12 prop
Green Bay, WI
1986 32' Sedan
Chrysler 360s
1.5:1 Gears, 16x16 props
1970 28' Express
Single Chrysler 440
1:1 Gear, 14x12 prop
Green Bay, WI
-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 410
- Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:18 am
- Location: Kentucky
Re: Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
Correct
Floating neutral when on ge fault will trip breaker
Also you want all outlets protected wit GFIC
Floating neutral when on ge fault will trip breaker
Also you want all outlets protected wit GFIC
1987 Marinette 29 FB Sedan
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
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- Tin star
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 5:40 pm
Re: Proper place to ground AC system/shorepower
Hopefully its not the same as we found when tearing out the electrical two bridged 15 amp breakers absolutely no ground to the hull anywhere copper wires running over hard edges it was a horror show we're lucky no one got electrocuted.
Being that you have a 1970 and the setup sounds errily familiar it makes my hair stand on end!
P.S. it can be redone diy but like dave says best left to professionals if your not comfortable wrangling the electrical pixies in a marine environment
Being that you have a 1970 and the setup sounds errily familiar it makes my hair stand on end!
P.S. it can be redone diy but like dave says best left to professionals if your not comfortable wrangling the electrical pixies in a marine environment
Moby Rick
FYC grosse ile mich
32ft F/B express
1971
T/318 Chrysler marine
FYC grosse ile mich
32ft F/B express
1971
T/318 Chrysler marine