Shore Power Question

[tonyiiiafl]

I was at teh storage yard readying for launch Thursday. I brought a couple of extension cords and a 115 to 30A adaptor and plugged in. I plugged in and didn’t see the shore 1 and 2 breakers were turned on inside. I saw a small spark as I plugged in, so stopped and shut off teh breakers. I plugged in and teh meter on the panel showed 60V, not 115. I checked another outlet they provided and teh same. If I turned on teh battery charger the GFI on the pole promptly tripped. I checked with my meter to the plug going to the boat and it was at 115-120V. Pulled the panel cover off, and at the breaker I had 38V. aired a few minutes at it was at 115. turned on breaker and 115 at both sides of breaker. Switched on teh battery charger and GFI tripped on pole. This was happening on both shore 1 and shore 2. On teh breakers, there i a diode going from ground to N(?) and shore 1 was blinking, while nothing from shore 2. I did see a little arcing on the ground tab on the power outlet in on the boat. Of course, all was good when it was put away.

I guess I am wondering if it appears to be a go round issue with my homeowner extension cords?I did try 2 adaptors, but same thing.

Input is always welcomed.

Best,

Tony

[km1125]

I'd check the 15 to 30A adapters to see if they are wired correctly. Sounds like a reverse-polarity issue. You can get around those issues with an isolation transformer. You might also check the outlets you were plugged into... perhaps THEY were wired wrong!

[bud37]

If the cords worked fine at home and have not been messed with I agree with km, have marina check the outlets you plugged into. Have you used the adapter before, does it have a made up plug end.....if so take it apart and check the connections.....that should eliminate outside issue questions.....step one.

[tonyiiiafl]

UPDATE: The marina checked my issue with regular shore power cords and extension cords with an adaptor. They got the same results I got. 115V at end of cord, then 60ish on the line side of the panel breaker. They didn't want to get involved too deeply as I launch Thursday. Of course, this weekend is predicting a Nor ester here on Cape Cod and I will be in the water with no shore power. I hope I can bring the batteries up on the hour ride home.

Anyway, I have come up with the following:

My panel 30A circuit breakers are Carling DG3-X0-01-246-131-C. I got them from great Lakes Skipper, but they are out.

1) there are 2 30A push button breakers on the outside of the rear wall where shore power comes in. I have replaced one and have a spare. I am thinking of checking there first on each power inlet to see if I have 115 volts coming out of the push button breaker.

2) If that fails, replace push button breakers, and check next at panel.

3) If that test passes, then go to the panel and disconnect the line into the breaker and see if I have 120V coming in. If so, then reconnect and disconnect the load side. Then check if I have 115V on that side. If no, I would suspect the hydraulic 30A breaker. I did keep my old ones that I know worked, but these did also. If yes, then I need professional help.

Did I cover/have a logical step by step process?

[bud37]

I could be wrong and there are folk with more knowledge on this than me, but have a look at your transfer switch contacts. Throw the breakers at the power cord inlet back and forth as well if you have them.....good luck man and be careful with that stuff.

[tonyiiiafl]

Bud, those contactors were replaced a couple years ago, and moved them around. However, I did not exercise the breakers. I am hoping that when I plug in at Taylors Point it will be OK. One of the diodes was blinking at the breakers, so I am suspect to a power issue at the storage yard. More to follow