GFI Plugs

[WestCoastMike]

Hello all,

I just took delivery of my "new to me" 1988 Hunter 33.5. I have looked online here and on many other sites but can't find any help on this one.

The surveyor has recommended that GFCI plugs be installed on each circuit on the boat so after reading the various posts I went to Home Depot and got 2 standard GFCI plugs and went to install the STBD one (on the aft galley bulkhead). It took me a while to get it wired up and it works fine; the problem came when I went to push the outlet back into the junction box. There is no way it is going to fit!

Has anyone done this and how did you do it? I looked on Leviton's website and all the outlets seem to be the same dimension. I've tried pulling the excess (HA!) wire back into the lazerette but nothing works. The only thing I can think of is removing the bracket at the back of the junction box that holds the wires and seeing if that frees up the extra half inch i need.

After that I didn't go to the port side, saving that for tomorrow, but does anyone know if it is the plug above the chart table that is the first plug on that circuit or is it the one in the aft cabin?

Thanks in advance for your help and I am looking forward to the time when I can offer advice!

Mike

 

[KD3PC]

you should be able to buy a 1/2" or 1" extension ring for the box that is currently on your boat. This will cause the outlet to stick out in to the space in front of the existing box somewhat.

I would try and see what is preventing the GFCI from going back in to the box as my hinter has shallow boxes but the GFCI sits correctly. IF you have used wire nuts they should fit on the "sides" of the GFCI as it is pushed back in to the box...

keep us posted as to what you discover

 

[SMACGW]

I have a 1983 Hunter 33.5 Cherubini; the surveyor also said I needed the GFCI plugs, although they were already there. I would think the above recommendation would suffice, just add an outside ring adapter to get the clearance you need. Be careful to place the wires on the sides so you don't smash them when you replace the receptacle back into the housing.

 

[cbsailor]

First, I can't say for sure that the receptacle over the nav station is the first receptacle in line after the AC circuit breaker on YOUR boat, but it IS on MY 1988 H335.

Second, the suggestion regarding "wire nuts" is a NO-NO. Use only appropriate marine connectors and splices.

Removing the shallow boxes and installing "deep boxes" is the best way to provide the required space for the GFIC receptacle and wiring. Since the two receptacle boxes protrude into the closed spaces of the aft hanging locker and the STB lazarette, the additional depth is not a problem. The only probllem with the "deep box" is the existing plastic cover over the back of the box will no longer fit. Fabricating a new cover from plastic storage boxes, screwing, and maybe caulking them should be an easy fix.

You might also look into adding galvanic isolation on the incoming AC line while you are doing the upgrade.

 

[healeyman]

I had same problem... contacted Hunter, they use a brand of GFI, Leviton brand , found at local hardware store... fits... hopes this help....

Dave

 

[dmc]

All receptacles....

on the same circuit following the 1st GFCI are CFCI protected. Use 1 GFCI per circuit.

Peace

dmc

 

[WestCoastMike]

Thanks for all the info! It seems if I remove the bracket that holds the incoming wire in position the receptacle will fit in the existing box.

CBSailor, did you just use standard "household" receptacle boxes? I found deeper covers at a local chandlery but no deeper boxes.

Thanks

Mike

 

[cbsailor]

Thanks for all the info! It seems if I remove the bracket that holds the incoming wire in position the receptacle will fit in the existing box.

CBSailor, did you just use standard "household" receptacle boxes? I found deeper covers at a local chandlery but no deeper boxes.

Thanks

Mike

The “original to me” boxes in my boat were electrical standard 3”X2” type with the angled back corners and cable clamps which only have approx 10.5 cu in capacity. The original boxes in my boat were standard Raco metal boxes. These were fine for the old Non GFI receptacles. Raco makes a couple of deep Old Work Boxes; one has approx 12.5 cu in capacity (square back corners) and the other has about 18 cu in cap. The smaller deep box may do the job and you may be able to reuse the protective cover inside the hanging locker. (covers the box on the back side). Both of these boxes are typically available in the big box home stores.

Personally, I used the blue plastic “old work” boxes made by Carlon. These boxes have approx 14 cu in of capacity. These provided the extra room I needed for additional wiring to extend the starboard circuit forward. I added another receptacle in the shelf behind the dinette and a utility receptacle inside the lazarette. Being plastic, the Carlon boxes do not rust (except possibly for the screws) and are also available in the big box home stores.

 

[ChuckH]

I also just took delivery of a 1988 Hunter 33.5. It’s odd that my surveyor never mentioned anything about replacing the outlets with GFCI plugs. I will probably replace mine as well, but my first priority is to get rid of the horrendous smell coming from the holding tank area..

 

[WestCoastMike]

CBSailor, that did the trick thank you! I wasn't able to find nice plastic boxes that would fit but larger metal ones worked great.

Next dumb question, is there only one outlet on the STBD side?

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[cbsailor]

CBSailor, that did the trick thank you! I wasn't able to find nice plastic boxes that would fit but larger metal ones worked great.

Next dumb question, is there only one outlet on the STBD side?

Thanks again,

Mike

Glad you were able to find boxes that worked. Yes, the original wiring plan only provided one recept on the stb side. It's the one in the galley area. See pic below. Sorry, the pic was taken right after I bought the boat and does not show the GFCI.

As I posted previously, I installed another receptacle in the stb side shelf in the dinette area. I tapped into the existing galley receptacle and used PVC couduit to provide a secure chase for the wire from the lazarette, behind the the ice box, oven and cabinet into the cubby hole next to the aft dinette seat. The wire is then routed on the bottom of the shelf into the cubby space underneath the dinette table. I mounted the box and receptacle in the shelf, centered on the table. It provides a nice place to plug in a small shore power table lamp and other items, phone charger, computer, etc, etc. Again, its an old pic, but the new receptacle is right where the tissue holder is in the second pic. Looks like I need to take some new pics of the interior.