Quote:
Originally Posted by matt2
My understanding is that an earth leakage (ground fault) circuit breaker (for high volatage AC) will detect a short to ground from one of the two active cables and pop the circuit breaker to stop the power before it can do any damage. The circuit breakers pop much more quickly than a regular CB.
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Matt, an earth leakage breaker detects current in the Neutral wire only - the theory being that if the currect going out (in the Active) isn't exactly the same as that coming back (in the Neutral), then it's going someplace it shouldn't (like you).
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt2
My question is do most people install these? I had a boat electrician rewire some of my boat and he did not install one.
I don't believe the AC inverter has one, but I could be wrong.
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Everyone should (if they have a shore-power connection) - but most people don't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt2
I read on another unrelated thread that each AC outlet should have a GFCI incorporated into the outlet. I have a single outlet, but it is not Ground Fault protected. I guess it is possible to add one of these afterwards?
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Whether or not you use GFCI Outlets depends on how many you have in the boat. If you only have one, then it's usually cheaper to replace the existing outlet with a GFCI version. If you have many, it's usually cheaper to install the GFCI as part of the AC main switch.
I hope this helps.
