This is a just a general curiosity question, but maybe a few members have some real world experience with this;
If you were doing a major refit that involved a complete replacement/rebuilding of a vessel's electrical system, or if it was a new construction vessel, and knowing that you would be cruising all over the world would you;
a) make your system 24V DC & 240V AC and incorporate the appropriate adapters/accessories to use 120V shore power when needed, or
b) make the system 12V DC & 120V AC anyway, using correct adapters/accessories for shore power that will be 240V AC in many of the places you will be cruising. A factor in this, I am guessing, is that if you are doing the work in the U.S., the majority of the components available are for 12V/120V systems. I have noticed that, from many sources, when buying low-voltage components they are usually available in 24V DC versions, but sometimes this comes at a higher premium.
My general thoughts, because I am no electrical guru, is that going with the standard that most of the rest of the world uses would be smarter. You'd only need to adapt your shore power connection for North American ports (there a few others in South America and the middle east that also use 120V AC) which may be less of the time. I think the biggest bonus is the availability of parts and supplies globally for 24V DC 240V AC will be far easier while cruising despite the possibility of a slightly higher cost upfront to install.
Thoughts? Experiences?
If you were doing a major refit that involved a complete replacement/rebuilding of a vessel's electrical system, or if it was a new construction vessel, and knowing that you would be cruising all over the world would you;
a) make your system 24V DC & 240V AC and incorporate the appropriate adapters/accessories to use 120V shore power when needed, or
b) make the system 12V DC & 120V AC anyway, using correct adapters/accessories for shore power that will be 240V AC in many of the places you will be cruising. A factor in this, I am guessing, is that if you are doing the work in the U.S., the majority of the components available are for 12V/120V systems. I have noticed that, from many sources, when buying low-voltage components they are usually available in 24V DC versions, but sometimes this comes at a higher premium.
My general thoughts, because I am no electrical guru, is that going with the standard that most of the rest of the world uses would be smarter. You'd only need to adapt your shore power connection for North American ports (there a few others in South America and the middle east that also use 120V AC) which may be less of the time. I think the biggest bonus is the availability of parts and supplies globally for 24V DC 240V AC will be far easier while cruising despite the possibility of a slightly higher cost upfront to install.
Thoughts? Experiences?
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