Adding shore power.

[BubbleheadMd]

My Pearson 30 has never been equipped with shore power. I intend to add this feature, and I'm trying to do it right. I have an electricity and electronics background, so I feel that I can make this a safe, and clean installation.

First, I want to keep it very simple. Everything is going to be on the starboard side of the boat. The shore power plug, the breaker, the wiring, the duplex outlets, all of it. There are only going to be two outlets, one about by the head, or maybe the V-berth, and the other at the galley.

I'm aiming for 30 amp service. My power budget says that this will let me run a 900 watt microwave oven and a tiny dorm fridge, and maybe a small, dehumidifier. I do NOT intend to run an A/C unit.

What say you all?

[SVPrairieRose]

Are you going to add a charger?

[btrayfors]

Very doable. And, wanting to do it right is a plus. Also, not having to deal with an old, possibly flawed AC installation is another plus.

From what you described, I'd go with a single 30A inlet connected with AWG 10/3 to a Blue Sea Systems AC panel like this one: Blue Sea Systems #8043 Panel 120VAC Meter 2xCB RP 3 P

From there, it's a piece of cake to wire branch circuits for the outlets, battery charger, etc.

Have fun.

Bill

[mitiempo]

I was going to ask about a charger as well.

Proper 30 amp shorepower inlet. Starting from scratch I would use the Smartplug as it is a better design. SmartPlug Systems - Shore Power Products and Accessories

Galvanic isolator in the ground wire for corrosion protection.

10/3 stranded tinned wire to the panel - ABYC likes less than 10' or an additional breaker is recommended.

Panel with main double pole breaker and enough circuits for your needs and maybe a few more for future additions. Blue Seas is excellent. AC Main + 4 Positions - PN 8099 - Blue Sea Systems

GFI outlets for the first outlet on each circuit. 14/3 stranded tinned wire to each circuit.

A connection between the AC ground bus and the 12 volt DC ground bus.

[mitiempo]

Bill

The only objection I have to a panel like you linked to is the voltmeter - it's not really necessary. If the voltage drops a bit during heavy use periods you can't do much about it anyway. An ammeter would be a better choice as then you can monitor your own use. But Blue Seas doesn't provide a panel with only an ammeter as far as I know.

[boatpoker]

ABYC requires a volt meter if a battery charger is installed. I too would like an ammeter.

[mitiempo]

They do? In E-11? Why?

I have Blue Seas 8027 main +6 circuit panel and a separate ammeter. And a charger.

[boatpoker]

Don't know, but there is an exception...if the charger is installed in vicinity of the panel and it has a volt meter.

[Me and Boo]

I need to do the 30A breaker installation on a Catalina 30 mkI., my AC panel is at the nav station well beyond the 10' point, so I am trying to find a location closer in for another breaker.
The volt meter requirement with a charger, is that for a hardwired charger only or for plug in chargers as well?

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Me and Boo

The volt meter requirement with a charger, is that for a hardwired charger only or for plug in chargers as well?

It would be for hardwired chargers only.

I would like to know where it is written as I have never heard that before.