ELCI breakers ??

Jun 8, 2004
2,959
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I will need to pass the marinas new electrical leakage test soon to move to a newly built slip. It appears I may need to add an ELCI breaker to the shorepower inlet to comply with new electrical code. What have others experienced with putting 20+ year old boat in new dockside electricals? Were you OK as built, or need the ELCI or have you had problems with an installed ELCI?
 

colemj

.
Jul 13, 2004
675
Dolphin Catamaran Dolphin 460 Mystic, CT
I can't answer the question about using new dockside electricals, but have installed an ELCI breaker. It is just as easy to install as any other breaker - existing 2 wires in, existing 2 wires out, done.

Last year, our original 2005 ELCI failed by not tripping when the test button was pushed. I replaced with this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXPMJGKL?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

If you don't pass a leakage test, then the breaker isn't the issue. On the other hand, an ELCI breaker is a very good thing to have, and it doesn't cost much.

Mark
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,387
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I upgraded to a new ELCI AC breaker panel and installed a galvanic isolator. No more problems.
 
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CYQK

.
Sep 11, 2009
595
beneteau first 42 kenora
Well......

I installed ELCI breakers on my boat

Yesterday there was a huge lightning strike to a boat a couple slips over
Breakers tripped think it saved my boat
 
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colemj

.
Jul 13, 2004
675
Dolphin Catamaran Dolphin 460 Mystic, CT
Well......

I installed ELCI breakers on my boat

Yesterday there was a huge lightning strike to a boat a couple slips over
Breakers tripped think it saved my boat
ELCI are not surge protectors. While it is possible the strike may have created a current imbalance on the L and N lines which caused it to trip, it also likely that a surge exceeded the breaker's rating and tripped it. If so, then you will want to carefully inspect all of your AC equipment for damage.

Mark
 

CYQK

.
Sep 11, 2009
595
beneteau first 42 kenora
Lucky for me i installed a 30amp surge protector as well on the shore power cord
Obviously it didnt blow the surge protector but there must have been something going on to trip the ELCI
 
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