I have a 2003 356.I have 2 A/C power connections from the dock.I noticed the other day just by chance that my reverse polarity light on the panel for Input 1 was glowing.Not real bright but it was on.I watched and finally it went dark after a while.I finally found out last night that when the water heater element in the hot water heater is kicking on,thats when the reverse polarity light glows dimly.Is there a reason why this would happen? The other reason I am curious is because I have had a problem with my Galvanic Isolation system since day one and am wondering if this could be related.Any input is appreciated.
A question for you electrical guys!
- Thread starter Paul Aubrecht
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Short in Biloxi
The polarity light often would just barely go on for a couple of years on my 2000 340, and I always thought it was something to do with the marina side of the shore power. Later, after my warranty lapsed, I discovered it was a short. The short was caused by an improperly wired connection in the control panel with one very thin piece of a wire touching another. Finally, it blew out. I'm lucky I didn't have a fire. I got a professional electrician to go through the entire boat's wiring, he actually upgraded some parts of it to handle heavier electrical loads.
The polarity light often would just barely go on for a couple of years on my 2000 340, and I always thought it was something to do with the marina side of the shore power. Later, after my warranty lapsed, I discovered it was a short. The short was caused by an improperly wired connection in the control panel with one very thin piece of a wire touching another. Finally, it blew out. I'm lucky I didn't have a fire. I got a professional electrician to go through the entire boat's wiring, he actually upgraded some parts of it to handle heavier electrical loads.
Water Heater
When I had my recently acquired H34 surveyed for insurance, the surveyor noted the connection to the a/c compressor looked ragged. Upon investigation I found that the previous owner's yard had wired the replacement compressor with solid copper household Romex wiring. Its replacement with stranded marine grade wire is now high on my project list. It might also explain the note on the AC electric panel not to run the a/c and water heater at the same time. Is that an overload issue others have encountered? Have not noted any polarity light issues yet, but found the factory wiring behind the panel to be a true rat's nest and will have to redo it for personal peace of mind, never mind the insurance.
When I had my recently acquired H34 surveyed for insurance, the surveyor noted the connection to the a/c compressor looked ragged. Upon investigation I found that the previous owner's yard had wired the replacement compressor with solid copper household Romex wiring. Its replacement with stranded marine grade wire is now high on my project list. It might also explain the note on the AC electric panel not to run the a/c and water heater at the same time. Is that an overload issue others have encountered? Have not noted any polarity light issues yet, but found the factory wiring behind the panel to be a true rat's nest and will have to redo it for personal peace of mind, never mind the insurance.
Galvanic isolators
Paul, I found that the two isolators on our boat were not wired correctly. One of them was not grounded. This condition, however, did not cause the reverse polarity light to come on. The two units are located behind the electrical panel backing board. If you're as electrically challenged as I am, then you might do well to hire a guy who knows what he's doing. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Paul, I found that the two isolators on our boat were not wired correctly. One of them was not grounded. This condition, however, did not cause the reverse polarity light to come on. The two units are located behind the electrical panel backing board. If you're as electrically challenged as I am, then you might do well to hire a guy who knows what he's doing. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
And you guys think you have it bad,,,
This is how my H34 was wired, most of it from the factory, the rest I did because of this sinkhole.
This is how my H34 was wired, most of it from the factory, the rest I did because of this sinkhole.
But hope springs eternal.
This is now. I'm outta here. The trees are blooming, it's sunny and fairly warm. Not bad for winter at 48 degrees north. It's time to sail. Crossing fingers for wind.
This is now. I'm outta here. The trees are blooming, it's sunny and fairly warm. Not bad for winter at 48 degrees north. It's time to sail. Crossing fingers for wind.
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