Replacing AC Panel 1981 O'Day 34

[SailingCal21]

Any experience with upgrading an AC panel?

Upon inspection of Karma after the snow/sleet/ice/deep freeze event in the Mid-Atlantic, all was well except that when I plugged shore power in, the AC panel (original equipment?) detected a ground fault and buzzer annunciation. I tried to isolate it, but was unsuccessful... didn't have the time or tools I needed. The fault didn't occur with the main breaker off (double pole), however received the fault with the main breaker on and all AC branch circuit breakers off. The breakers are all single pole so switching them off didn't really isolate a neural-ground fault.

I returned to the boat a few weeks later prepared to dive into the issue, brought another shore power cord as well as appropriate tools. Of course the fault has since cleared. I've presumed that the cause was moisture due to condensation... somewhere.

Bottom line, whilst researching the issue, I'm concerned that the AC system is no longer ABYC compliant as there's no ELCI. So I get to add an AC panel upgrade to the winter/spring project list. The existing AC panel is 8"Wx5"H (6 1/2" by 4" cutout).


Question any recommendations for the upgrade. I'm looking at the Bluesea 8101 panel... but of course the width is roughly an inch narrower then the existing cut out. A Bluesea 1193 will fit with a bit of carving, but I'd like to use toggles instead of rocker switches... yea, I know picky-picky.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've presumed that the cause was moisture due to condensation... somewhere.

Bottom line, whilst researching the issue, I'm concerned that the AC system is no longer ABYC compliant as there's no ELCI. So I get to add an AC panel upgrade to the winter/spring project list.

Do you have a breaker within 10 feet of your shorepower inlet? If not, you could add an ELCI one there, between the inlet and your interior double pole breaker. Then you wouldn't have to mess with your good looking panel.

 

[dlochner]

I'm looking at the Bluesea 8101 panel... but of course the width is roughly an inch narrower then the existing cut out.

I've run into this a couple of times for various devices on my boat. At least 2 options, cut a thin ¼" piece of plywood larger than the existing opening and stain it to match the panel. Mount the new panel onto of this wooden panel. Or use ¼" starboard. See the photos.

 

[SailingCal21]

Thanks, both good ideas. The shore power connector is well within 10 feet. But I would like to add another branch circuit or two.

 

[SailingCal21]

So decided to upgrade the AC system with a Blue Sea 8101 panel to increase the number of branch circuits and use a piece of star board to mask the original cutout. Also, going to replace my older (still functional) galvanic isolator with the newer "failsafe" GI. Still on fence concerning the GI, seems to be a double edge sword. Either way the GI device needs to be periodically tested to insure functionality. Gonna do some further research concerning GI monitoring.

 

[SailingCal21]

Thought that I'd close out this thread with pics of the new AC panel and GI install.

Had to mask the AC Panel with 1/8" ABS plastic used the textured to side to hide smudges and fingerprints. Not pleased with the size of the mask, but had to cover the opening left from the O'Day AC panel. Btw, anyone want the original?



I took out the "sonic polarity indicator" because the AC panel has an indicator and didn't want to add more components. Wondering if I should reinstall it...

p.s.; that's the original soldering job, not mine

Installed the GI in the back of the aft cabinet next to the ice box:


Was planning on installing it in the port lazarette, however was concerned of the potential high temps from the engine compartment. Specs for the GI say tested to 50°C ( 122°F ) ambient temp, thought that the engine compartment may exceed that temp somewhat. Perhaps I'm being to anal about that, however better safe than sorry.