Adding 115 AC

[NCBrew]

I have a 1993 Hunter Legend 35.5 and would like to add a couple of 115 V sockets to the boat. I can normally do this to a house but I don't know where to connect to on the boat. I do have 2 "Spare" breakers on the AC panel.
How do I go about this?
Where do I run the wires?

 

[rgranger]

There is a lot to consider here

I'd start by watching this.

DIY Shore Power Kits, Cords & Inlet Parts | West Marine

Set up shore power with DIY kits, inlets, and cables. Marine-grade components built for safe, reliable AC power connections at docks and marinas.

www.westmarine.com

 

[ggrizzard]

Rewiring / adding circuits in 115 AC power on a boat can be straight forward IF you were experienced in the process of selecting the correct type and gauge of wire, making connections at the panel, and wiring each new plug properly per ABYC specs.
You could study the info provided by R Granger and still not know the issues that may arise in the install process on your specific boat.
House wiring connections/systems are not the same as on a marine set up.
Certainly read all you can find including a book by Don Casey on the subject, BUT...
If you proceed, at the first "wonder how I'm supposed to do,,,?" question, STOP!
Call an experienced marine electrician and get help. At the very least, have them check the system before you power it up.

 

[NCBrew]

That article from West Marine covers the installation I already have. I have a marine power cord which works fine. I need to install more plugs on the boat. I don't know where to run the new wires.

 

[JoeWhite]

I would use a 25' extension cord plugged into the generator and feed it through a port and inside. Then plug into a power strip. It already has circuit breaker. Since it is not used often this temporary setup is a safe and practical solution in my opinion.

 

[heritage]

Pretty much the same as 110v house wiring. Two differences are that marine ac wire is stranded instead of solid, and the connectors on both ends should be ring terminals. I use standard house receptacle boxes.

 

[ggrizzard]

NCBrew
"I need to install more plugs on the boat. I don't know where to run the new wires."

That is exactly the point I was making. Boats move. Houses don't.
To run wire in the hull/overhead of a boat must take into account the chafe point(s)
that surely will exist.
Knowing how and where to mitigate this problem is the key to success.

 

[NCBrew]

I would use a 25' extension cord plugged into the generator and feed it through a port and inside. Then plug into a power strip. It already has circuit breaker. Since it is not used often this temporary setup is a safe and practical solution in my opinion.

That sounds like it will work so I will try it.
Thanks

 

[NCBrew]

I would use a 25' extension cord plugged into the generator and feed it through a port and inside. Then plug into a power strip. It already has circuit breaker. Since it is not used often this temporary setup is a safe and practical solution in my opinion.

I am trying to get items on my AC/DC Panel to work off the generator. So then I plug the power strip into an existing receptacle on the boat and then plug the generator into the power strip, I will then be able to turn some 110 V items on my AC/DC power panel (like outlets), I don't think it will run the "Battery Charger", or maybe it will as long as it does not exceed the power needed so the breaker on the generator would then trip.

 

[NCBrew]

I guess the real question is how can I connect my portable general (mounted outside) to connect to the AC of the power panel

 

[JoeWhite]

Got it. You can take 3-conductor power cable and split off of the nearest 110 VAC outlet. It will be on the same circuit breaker same as the house wiring you already know. Nothing special. You connect the generator where the shore power normally connects with a short 20Amp extension cord with 2 male ends. Make sure the polarity is not reversed.

 

[Benny17441]

In a boat outlet circuits are usually run in a chain one circuit for the starboard side and another circuit for the port side. Additional outlets are usually added at the beginning or at the end of each chain. This minimizes the running of wires. Dedicate purpose outlets can be installed in a new circuit wired from the panel Box but will require a breaker switch and the wiring. The generator is plugged in to the Shore Power Inlet and not to cabin boat outlets. For temporary use it is more convenient to run an extension cord to the desired location.

 

[Tally Ho]

In a boat outlet circuits are usually run in a chain one circuit for the starboard side and another circuit for the port side. Additional outlets are usually added at the beginning or at the end of each chain. This minimizes the running of wires. Dedicate purpose outlets can be installed in a new circuit wired from the panel Box but will require a breaker switch and the wiring. The generator is plugged in to the Shore Power Inlet and not to cabin boat outlets. For temporary use it is more convenient to run an extension cord to the desired location.

Mine forward and rear, but same idea.

i don’t know where the generator reference came from in this thread…I re-read the original post and don’t see anything except “how can I add more outlets”.

 

[NCBrew]

Mine forward and rear, but same idea.

i don’t know where the generator reference came from in this thread…I re-read the original post and don’t see anything except “how can I add more outlets”.

Maybe I will start over. I am looking to power my 110 V receptacles and run the water heater but not necessarily at the same time. I currently have a 20 amp wire with a connector that can plug into my normal input for shore power. I can connect this 50 ft cord to the normal shore power place from the generator. This will then power up the 110 V side of my power panel. The only problem I will have to worry about is over powering the generator. The generator is 2000 watts. I do not know if this will handle the water heater, I may buy a 3000 watt generator.

 

[JoeWhite]

The water heater requires 1500Watts. It is unlikely that you need 500Watts for additional devices. If so then you must turn off the water heater after water is hot.
If you exceed 2000 Watts by 10%, it will work just fine.

 

[Hello Below]

The water heater requires 1500Watts. It is unlikely that you need 500Watts for additional devices. If so then you must turn off the water heater after water is hot.
If you exceed 2000 Watts by 10%, it will work just fine.

Different generators will have different maximum and continuous outputs. For example the Honda EU2000i has 2000W starting power, stabilizing at 1600W continuous power. Still within the needed 1500W resistive load that the heater will require. However it will also consume maximum fuel at that output.

 

[NCBrew]

Thanks to everyone for replies.

I am going to the boat this afternoon to test it.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I may buy a 3000 watt generator.

And that's how the battle started:

That would not be welcome in ANY anchorage.

 

[Benny17441]

Mine forward and rear, but same idea.

i don’t know where the generator reference came from in this thread…I re-read the original post and don’t see anything except “how can I add more outlets”.

Just a word in abundance of caution, in another post he asked if he could plug a portable generator to an outlet. Answers are mainly directed to the poster.

 

[Benny17441]

And that's how the battle started:

View attachment 202466

That would not be welcome in ANY anchorage.

Except in the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. When we are sweltering in 90 degree weather with 98% humidity no one can successfully complaint about a little noise. The humorous comment about how the battle got started was really on point.