Shore Power Question

mauidan15 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

So I've been working hard on restoring my 1969 Windaward. Currently I have gutted out the cabin and would like to run power tools to help speed up the work. I was wonder if I could just use a shore power adapter the size would be 15A Female to 30A Male? Or would that just short out the tools? Kind of hoping I don't need to go thru the expense of setting up a whole inverter system, since I pretty much use my boat as a daysailor or for the occasional overnight.

Thanks

MauiD

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

No...a standard male 30A marine plug to female 15A household type pigtail will work fine with your tools!

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

If you're going to be using the 110 VAC shore power connection with any regularity, you'd really be much better off installing it properly. This would be far less risky than using a pigtail for any extended period of time IMHO. The pigtails are a serious fire hazard, since the circuit breaker is rated for 30 amps, and the power cord you'll probably be using is only rated for 15 amps at most...and will generally start a fire before the breaker trips if you have a problem.

MacGyverRI · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

I have a 30A shore power plug wired to a 25' 14 ga. (should really be 12 ga.) cord, then a 6 plug power strip (computer type) that has a 15A breaker built-in.

It has tripped w/ a 1500W heater and a drip coffee pot running (it was a test) at the same time so the breaker really does work.

artbyjody · #5 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGyverRI

I have a 30A shore power plug wired to a 25' 14 ga. (should really be 12 ga.) cord, then a 6 plug power strip (computer type) that has a 15A breaker built-in.

It has tripped w/ a 1500W heater and a drip coffee pot running (it was a test) at the same time so the breaker really does work.

Its 12:05 and you will not get a reasonable response.. but are you trying out for the never to be seen on cable if I had still had hair I would do the series McGuyver "The Inside scoop" the main plot - how to blow up a boat but never did but what I did could of..

You have my denomination for an oscar...my oscar is a huge .... well you'll figure it out we'll be there in two days... with expired starbuck coffee cards..

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Are you trying to burn down your boat???

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGyverRI

I have a 30A shore power plug wired to a 25' 14 ga. (should really be 12 ga.) cord, then a 6 plug power strip (computer type) that has a 15A breaker built-in.

It has tripped w/ a 1500W heater and a drip coffee pot running (it was a test) at the same time so the breaker really does work.

Valiente · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

I use 12 ga. "contractor grade" three-prong from the yard power stand to a Marinco double-ender, and then to the boat via the usual 30A cord. It's enough to keep the batteries charged and to cover one power tool at a time and a little ceramic heater.

MacGyverRI · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Are you trying to burn down your boat???

Nope, not at all. I only run the little heater along w/ the cell (5 W) and laptop (60 W) chargers off that cord so it's very safe.

Testing the power strip breaker was just that, a test, to see if it actually worked.

chucklesR · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Obviously you'll need something for power while you do the proper installation of your electrical system. Pigtails work fine.

Battery powered tools work good too.

If you are just restoring, sure, fine - while you are there and actually working on the boat, and cognizant of the load you are drawing. Ensure the breaker on the surge protector is rated the same or lower than the cable - have a Type C extinquisher handy and go for it. Most boat fires start due to electrical problems (per BoatUS studies) not galley fires - vigilance and preparedness is the key.

hellosailor · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Dan, whichever way you do it (and an extension cord works fine by me for occassional use) make sure there is a GFI in the power line. You can buy a cord with one built it, or a separate one to plug into the dock outlet. Or in theory any reasonably new dock outlet will have one built into it. Just make sure there is a GFI device in there somewhere, you'd be surprised how easily power cords can electrocute you on a boat.