I have a 1980 Hunter 27 and wanted to know the best way to modernize the shore power fuse/breaker. The breaker currently installed is not original and actually started smoking and burned a wire. What's the best way to upgrade the breaker using the existing wiring and footprint?
Shore power
- Thread starter rhonadle
- Start date
If I recall correctly on the ac side the panel only has a single pole main breaker. The system was real simple with a circuit to outlets in the galley and a circuit to outlets by the navigation table and the wash sink in the head. If unsure of the extent of the damage I would redo the whole thing.
I would start with a new panel that included a two pole main breaker so that both the Hot and Neutral wires are switched.
The Blue Sea 8029 would work. I would also suggest Charlie Wings book Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook Second Edition...
There are lots of safety issues you need to take into account to make your on-board AC system safe. Single pole main breakers are not safe for boats.
-Double pole main breaker
-Reverse polarity light
-Branch breaker or breakers
-Proper wire and gauge
-If AC panel is more than 10 wire feet from the shore power inlet you'll need an additional 30A double pole main breaker installed close to the inlet.
-Any outlet in a galley, machinery space, weather deck or head needs to be GFCI protected.
-I would advise an AC panel with an ELCI main breaker, such as the 8102 as these meet the current safety standards.....
-AC green/Earth is never bonded to AC white/neutral on-board (unless you are physically operating a generator or inverter at the time)
-AC green/Earth gets tied/bonded to ships DC ground/Earth.
If none of this makes sense please consult with an ABYC Certified marine electrician...
There are lots of safety issues you need to take into account to make your on-board AC system safe. Single pole main breakers are not safe for boats.
-Double pole main breaker
-Reverse polarity light
-Branch breaker or breakers
-Proper wire and gauge
-If AC panel is more than 10 wire feet from the shore power inlet you'll need an additional 30A double pole main breaker installed close to the inlet.
-Any outlet in a galley, machinery space, weather deck or head needs to be GFCI protected.
-I would advise an AC panel with an ELCI main breaker, such as the 8102 as these meet the current safety standards.....
-AC green/Earth is never bonded to AC white/neutral on-board (unless you are physically operating a generator or inverter at the time)
-AC green/Earth gets tied/bonded to ships DC ground/Earth.
If none of this makes sense please consult with an ABYC Certified marine electrician...
Dear Rhonadle
I also own a 1980 Hunter 27, and am also looking to replace the shore power breaker. What Breaker did you settle on, and how did you know what amperage to get. any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I also own a 1980 Hunter 27, and am also looking to replace the shore power breaker. What Breaker did you settle on, and how did you know what amperage to get. any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.