I was dockside, AC power was on, outlets were being used for tv and A/C and the battery charger (built in) was also working. The AC Circuit breaker/on off switch popped, I shut off all other circuit breaker switches and reset the main AC breaker. I get power to this, but when I turn on any other circuit breaker switch (with the smallest load possible)the main pops again. I can turn on the switch for electrical outlets, it and the main will remain on without a load, however, even the smallest load, I.E. a 5 watt nightlight, is activated then the main, not the outlet breaker/switch will pop again. I have the correct amount of 110 coming onboard through the shore cable. I checked the shore power connections (30 Amp) also the AC panel for any burn marks, odd smells, or loose/corroded wires or connectors. The AC Panel has 5 circuit breaker switches. AC power, Water Heater, Battery Charger, Electrical Outlets, & Microwave. I'm really scratching my head on this one, any ideas for solution will be appreciated and applied.
On Board Electrical (AC) Problem
- Thread starter George16775
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A/C Ammeter
Use an A/C ammeter to confirm that you don't have a bad breaker. A short of that magnitude should smoke and smell.
Use an A/C ammeter to confirm that you don't have a bad breaker. A short of that magnitude should smoke and smell.
Check your cord & the outlet on the boat.
George: Check your cord on both ends (especially on the boat). Then remove the plug (boat end) and check the wires. We have had problems with these cords after a few years.
George: Check your cord on both ends (especially on the boat). Then remove the plug (boat end) and check the wires. We have had problems with these cords after a few years.
Tuyen just had this problem
and he removed his surge protection device located on the circuit breaker. Look for a thread last week on this by Tuyen. If you dont have this protection device, I would suspect that it is a connection issue of either the neutral or ground connection.
and he removed his surge protection device located on the circuit breaker. Look for a thread last week on this by Tuyen. If you dont have this protection device, I would suspect that it is a connection issue of either the neutral or ground connection.
Electrical spectical
This is from the best electrician I know... Since the smallest of loads causes the problem, it may be a bad main circuit breaker. To trip that fast it would take on the order of several times the breaker rating.That would require a dead short somewhere but since any load on the system causes it, it's probably not the problem. I think it's probably a bad breaker but some continuity checks with the shore cord disconnected, and the breakers shut would be able to verify the system is not faulted. This is NOT from me, unless of course he's right...;-)
This is from the best electrician I know... Since the smallest of loads causes the problem, it may be a bad main circuit breaker. To trip that fast it would take on the order of several times the breaker rating.That would require a dead short somewhere but since any load on the system causes it, it's probably not the problem. I think it's probably a bad breaker but some continuity checks with the shore cord disconnected, and the breakers shut would be able to verify the system is not faulted. This is NOT from me, unless of course he's right...;-)
Thanks to all who responded
Wish me luck, armed with your suggestions and my multimeter I will drive the 100 miles back to "Sail Mary" on Thursday to troubleshoot the problem. George
Wish me luck, armed with your suggestions and my multimeter I will drive the 100 miles back to "Sail Mary" on Thursday to troubleshoot the problem. George
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