Refitting shore power connections

[jaschrumpf]

I've just bought a nice 1975 Newport 28 and am looking over all the systems to prioritize my upgrades. Looking at the shore power connection I see only a two-conductor wire running directly from the connection to a GFC outlet mounted on a bulkhead. The wire is a solid conductor that looks very much like your basic house wiring, though there doesn't seem to be a ground wire.




From what I've read, I thought that marine 110v wire should not be a solid conductor, but should be tinned multi-wire. I don't recall reading about a ground wire, but surely there should be one running from the 30A service on shore to a distribution panel, and then to the outlets.

I'm comfortable doing a rewiring job if necessary, as I've done house wiring before and this doesn't look any more difficult. But are my presumptions correct? Shouldn't it be multi-wire tinned conductor WITH a ground wire?

Thanks for any and all information!

[sailingdog]

Yup... needs to be multi-wired tinned stranded marine grade wire with a ground.

[LaPlaya]

Anyplace you have vibration and or movement there has to be.. or should be some flex. Hard wire can get fatigued and break. Definately go multistrand. I am not an electrician but I would want to see a ground wire even in these days of GFI and polarized plugs. Thats just me tho.
I would offer to help you fix it up....but is that a wasp nest???? lol
I hate wasps.
AL

[LaPlaya]

I should add that the wire there looks like 14/2 and is light for 30 amp service I think.
AL

[jaschrumpf]

What gauge would be appropriate for 30A power? A quick look at boatersworld.com showed me Ancor Flat White Triplex Cable 14/3 for about $1/foot. Does that sound about right for 30A, or would 12/3 be better?

And that's an old wasp nest. Nothing flying around there now.

[LaPlaya]

Sorry but I can't see a clamp on that flex hose in the bottom left of the pic. Is that a scupper drain or something? if that is as light duty as it looks in the pic or is not clamped off it's gotta go. Forgive me if I am wrong but better safe than sunk.
AL

[sailingdog]

Sure looks like a paper wasp nest... Bad news normally, but doesn't look like it's active...which is good.

As for the wire... how long is the run... that is what will determine what wire gauge you really need.

[winterbuoy]

GFCI will not work without ground, that whole thing looks pretty hokey to me. Wires are loose and should be secured. No backing plate on shore power inlet either, not good. You need Marine grade wire of 10 gauge for 30 amp service to your main panel.

[LaPlaya]

I don't think you would want you interior wiring to be of a lesser wire size than you shorepower cord. I would say 12 g minimum but I have seen heavier sizes recommended for 30 amp service.
AL

[LaPlaya]

Good call on the backing plate winterbuoy.. Does not look like there ever was one..Note to Newporters?
Al