Circuit breakers...

[Doug Washburn]

For as long as I have owned this boat, I have noticed the sensitivity of the A/C circuit breaker. Any one appliance runs well alone but try to combine any two e.g. microwave and hair dryer, TV and toaster oven, etc. and the breaker kicks in. My sense of this problem is that the breaker is too sensitive and that a higher amp breaker would not threaten the integrity of the electrical infrastructure. Comments?

 

[Randy Jarrell]

Sensitive Breakers

Doug, I do not recommend increasing the amperage of the breakers. The appliances you mentioned are high amp draw devices. I solved the problem on my boat by adding another 30 amp system with a dedicated outlet for blender/toaster. Not a difficult project and not very expensive. Much better alternative than creating a potential hazzard by increasing the amperage of a breaker.

 

[Randy Jarrell]

Sensitive Breakers

Doug, I do not recommend increasing the amperage of the breakers. The appliances you mentioned are high amp draw devices. I solved the problem on my boat by adding another 30 amp system with a dedicated outlet for blender/toaster. Not a difficult project and not very expensive. Much better alternative than creating a potential hazzard by increasing the amperage of a breaker.

 

[mike]

breaker problem

hi, both those items that you mention are high-power users. combined they will draw more than the 15 amps avalible on the circuit.hope this helps.

 

[Paul I aboard "One Slip"]

amperage limits

With all due respect to what Mike and Randy have said, a sensitive breaker is a possibility. If you look at the nameplates of the appliances in question, you will see what each is rated for in amps. Add up the amperage ratings for the whatever combo is tripping the breaker. Be sure to include ALL appliances that are drawing power. If the breaker is rated for 15 amps and the appliance amperage total is close to that, Mike and Jerry are probably correct. If the amperage total is significantly below the breaker rating, I would consider replacing it WITH A NEW BREAKER HAVING THE SAME RATING. The important thing is that under no circumstances should you exceed the current carrying capacity of the wiring system on the boat. If the power lines supplying the AC outlets on the boat are 14 gauge wire, 15 amps is the maximum capacity of the system. A system made of 12 gauge wire is good for 20 amps. Check the wire size on the power line connecting the boat to the dock as well. The same limits apply to it.

 

[Brad Hoff]

Check Circuit Number

My Hunter 34 has two separate 15 amp circiuts. I find if I use one side of the boat (same circuit) there is a problem of overload. Split each heavy load to an individual circuit if you have them (don't forget the h2o heater draw).

 

[Margaritaville]

Add Breakers

Hey doug I had the same problem so I fixed it. I now have 7 A/C breakers.1. Battery Charger2. Microwave3. Water Heater4. Air Conditioner5. Outlets6. Ice Box Conversion7. SpareI did bump up the main to a 50A And installed a 50A/125 Power InletI can all the equipment at once with out any problems, To include a Coffee maker plugged into an outlet. I managed to get all this mounted back in the original area.I want to thank you for all the help you have given me in the past.Paul