Getting ready to add shore power

[btrayfors]

Yes, put the frig on the breaker with the outlets. Just be sure your total draw with the frig and the outlets doesn't exceed the breaker size.

In the pic you posted above, you can't see the back of the panel. I assume it has TWO breakers for the main line. You need a breaker on BOTH the hot (black) and the neutral (white) incoming AC wires.

It this panel doesn't have two breakers for the main shutoff, then can it and find one which does.

Bill

[jrophoff]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Yes, put the frig on the breaker with the outlets. Just be sure your total draw with the frig and the outlets doesn't exceed the breaker size.

In the pic you posted above, you can't see the back of the panel. I assume it has TWO breakers for the main line. You need a breaker on BOTH the hot (black) and the neutral (white) incoming AC wires.

It this panel doesn't have two breakers for the main shutoff, then can it and find one which does.

Bill

That sounds like a good option. I don't really use the outlets much anyway. mainly to charge my phone ect. I may install a small led tv, but

Here is the picture from behind. Can't really tell myself.



I may install a tiny LED tv someday. But I don't think those draw more than an amp or 2. I will cross that bridge when I get there.

[btrayfors]

Can't see very well from that pic.

While it appears that the top two breakers are 20A each, the wiring seems screwy. For example, the white wire (neutral) coming off the second-from-the-top breaker goes to the buss bar. But, there's no white wire that I can see on the other side of that breaker.

What you want to see:

1. A breaker for the hot (black) wire....coming into and going out of that breaker;

2. A second breaker, mechanically tied to the first one so that they both are switched on or off simultaneously, with the neutral (white) wire coming into and going out of that breaker; and

3. A green wire going to the grounding bus....no breaker.

The black wire coming out of the first breaker then goes to power the other two breakers for outlets and for your battery charger.

Bill

[boatpoker]

Forgive me for asking the obvious but sometimes the obvious is overlooked. So you must have an AC or an AC/DC fridge, correct ? Since we know you cannot connect a DC fridge to this panel .

[jrophoff]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Can't see very well from that pic.

While it appears that the top two breakers are 20A each, the wiring seems screwy. For example, the white wire (neutral) coming off the second-from-the-top breaker goes to the buss bar. But, there's no white wire that I can see on the other side of that breaker.

What you want to see:

1. A breaker for the hot (black) wire....coming into and going out of that breaker;

2. A second breaker, mechanically tied to the first one so that they both are switched on or off simultaneously, with the neutral (white) wire coming into and going out of that breaker; and

3. A green wire going to the grounding bus....no breaker.

The black wire coming out of the first breaker then goes to power the other two breakers for outlets and for your battery charger.

Bill

Bill--

I attached a diagram. Let me know if I am getting the concept (sorry if I am not).

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Forgive me for asking the obvious but sometimes the obvious is overlooked. So you must have an AC or an AC/DC fridge, correct ? Since we know you cannot connect a DC fridge to this panel .

AC fridge

[tap]

Diagram looks correct to me. Your fridge, outlets, etc. would have their hot wires attached the terminals in the lower right side of the breaker group, while the neutrals and grounds would be connected to the two bus bars.

[jrophoff]

Originally Posted by tap

Diagram looks correct to me. Your fridge, outlets, etc. would have their hot wires attached the terminals in the lower right side of the breaker group, while the neutrals and grounds would be connected to the two bus bars.

Thanks for confirming.

[btrayfors]

I agree with Tap's comments.

The blue color is confusing, though, as is the existing wiring on the panel (black/hot wire going to one of the busses).

I'd start by removing all the old wiring from the breakers and busses. Then, start afresh using the proper wire coloring...much less confusing.

US single-phase AC wire coloring:

black = hot
white = neutral
green = grounding


Bill

[jrophoff]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

I agree with Tap's comments.

The blue color is confusing, though, as is the existing wiring on the panel (black/hot wire going to one of the busses).

I'd start by removing all the old wiring from the breakers and busses. Then, start afresh using the proper wire coloring...much less confusing.

US single-phase AC wire coloring:

black = hot
white = neutral
green = grounding


Bill

Yea I agree, it all needs to be redone. The program I used to draw the lines did not have the proper colors. I used bright colors so it would stand out.

[chef2sail]

Originally Posted by jrophoff

This is what I have. Unlike a float charger it is capable of bulk charging too. Since it charges at a slower rate, the battery stays cool, ultimately prolonging my batteries life:

Battery Tender® Junior 12V @ 0.75A - Batterytender.com

It does a good job, and since the only thing that I run off the battery is my depth finder and running lights (cabin lights are LED and use their own batteries), I don't use too much battery. Especially since all my sailing is done in the day time. After a long day of sailing I am down to 90-95%. Now that I have a new motor that charges the battery as well I should be in good standing.

I am adding a stereo this year. That may push me into purchasing a larger battery charger.

A three stage battery charger is the best way to charge your batteries. Also dont forget if you have wet cells to equalize every month or so to desulfate the lead plates.

Dave