AC Reverse Polarity Indicator

[pvanv]

I have a very spartan AC shore power setup, with proper inlet, and double main breaker. This feeds two breakers, one for charger, and one for GFI outlets. There isn't any reverse polarity indicator in the panel, and no room to add one. No need for it in my home slip, as I have verified that the shore outlet is correct.

How about using one of those cheap home center outlet checkers, that shows ground issues as well as reverse polarity. Just plug it into an onboard outlet to check, and it could even be left plugged in.

 

[Ross]

That's all you need.

 

[Ron20324]

Not even room for a 3/16 hole to mount an LED wired to ground and neutral?

 

[sailaway78]

That should work

Since you have a simple system, the little checker should do the job. However they can be fooled. I used to do it all the time on the neutral side. But if you don't do anything tricky, should work.

 

[Roger Long]

How about using one of those cheap home center outlet checkers, that shows ground issues as well as reverse polarity. Just plug it into an onboard outlet to check, and it could even be left plugged in.

I do that even though I also have a polarity detector. The 3 LED cube tells you about other problems than polarity and you never have to remember which drawer or locker you put the thing in when you need it. It also makes a handy pilot light for the AC since my boat doesn't have one. If I need the second outlet, which hasn't happened yet, I just unplug it and set it on the counter.

It's worth having a 30 amp to standard plug adapter on board just for plugging one of these cubes directly into the marina outlet. If you are spending much time in a marina, it's worth checking the outlets in nearby slips as well. Not everyone has a polarity detector on their boat.

 

[pvanv]

Not even room for a 3/16 hole to mount an LED wired to ground and neutral?

Yes, Ron, that would be a possibility, However, it is not really sufficient. I know there are those who use that arrangement, but it relies on both neutral and ground being connected to "something" on shore. In the event of an open ground, such as a broken-off wire at the shore outlet, the indicator will not light at all, whether normal or reverse polarity.

As mentioned, the 3-LED cheapie actually tells more, and I think it will make a dandy night light.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Roger...

every time I enter a new marina, I pull out my 30 amp adaptor with the circuit checker pluged in to check out the power connection before plugging in my shore power. One less issue to worry about!

 

[Ron20324]

Yes, Ron, that would be a possibility, However, it is not really sufficient. I know there are those who use that arrangement, but it relies on both neutral and ground being connected to "something" on shore. In the event of an open ground, such as a broken-off wire at the shore outlet, the indicator will not light at all, whether normal or reverse polarity.

Ummm... I could be wrong, but I believe you need a working ground to tell if it's reversed. Being it's AC, I don't see the just swapping hot and neutral would indicate a "change" in polarity (though i know it's different). I guess i'll have to dig out my plug-in tester.