Water leak traced to shore power - anyone else have this?

[Chris & Lenore]

I found that a good quart of water had leaked out from the wood around the electrical panel. Drove me nuts trying to find it but it wasn't coming in from anywhere near the panel.

Turns out it was coming through the AC cable. Water was entering the shore power socket at the stern, running down the individual conductors and into the jacket.

The jacket was acting like a hose and directing the water 15 feet forward to the panel.

I used 5200 on the cable at the shore power socket end that stopped the problem.

My question is around the cable to shore power socket connection. Is the proper solution to form a "drip loop" with the individual conductors before they enter the jacket (and secure the cable so the jacket is above the socket? Or is it sufficient/proper to seal the jacket from water entry with 5200?

It was amazing how much water was entering even with moderate rain - about a cup per hour.

Chris

 

[woodster]

Re: Water leak traced to shore power - anyone else have this

thats a high voltage line and very dangerous ...you should replace it with new ...these things are not supposed to carry water anywhere and yo need to change out the plug socket as well ...now would be a perfect time to get a smart plug and install it along with new wiring a drip loop is not the answer

 

[LittleCreek]

Good thing you located the source. That could have ended badly.

 

[kloudie1]

Re: Water leak traced to shore power - anyone else have this

The socket on the boat should not leak through.. sounds like the socket got loose or cracked where the pins come through the body of the socket.. Probably would be prudent to replace the socket. It would be good to replace the wire from the socket to the panel as well. The correct wire for that would have tinned conductors.
I do secure the cord into a drip loop immediately before it connects to the socket.

 

[uncledom]

I found that a good quart of water had leaked out from the wood around the electrical panel. Drove me nuts trying to find it but it wasn't coming in from anywhere near the panel. Turns out it was coming through the AC cable. Water was entering the shore power socket at the stern, running down the individual conductors and into the jacket. The jacket was acting like a hose and directing the water 15 feet forward to the panel. I used 5200 on the cable at the shore power socket end that stopped the problem. My question is around the cable to shore power socket connection. Is the proper solution to form a "drip loop" with the individual conductors before they enter the jacket (and secure the cable so the jacket is above the socket? Or is it sufficient/proper to seal the jacket from water entry with 5200? It was amazing how much water was entering even with moderate rain - about a cup per hour. Chris

It sounds like someone "repaired" your cable by putting a new plug on it. If that is the case, throw it away. There is a reason why the cable ends are moulded.

 

[Benny17441]

Re: Water leak traced to shore power - anyone else have this

Water and electricity do not mix. No loops, no sealers, the conduit should be weather proof and dry. In any instance water should not have gotten past the shorepower plug. Replace components.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Re: Water leak traced to shore power - anyone else have this

The socket appears to be almost new but no sealant was used (other than a thin rubber gasket supplied with the socket) plus the screws were loose. I didn't see any water when I removed the plug - so it may have just been poor installation.

Regardless - I plan to replace with a Smart Plug. They even have a kit that replaces the plug on my existing cord (it's almost brand new).

Note that this is also the "new to us" boat that had a live AC cable with bared ends in the "deep" cockpit locker. I had to empty it out and crawl inside to do some engine work. I sat on the live wire with wet shorts - man did that hurt (not to mention that it could have ended badly). The cable was not connected through a breaker either - it was permanently live. The previous owner claimed he wasn't aware of it...

Nothing surprises me...

Chris

 

[Ken Cross]

I disagree about the drip loop

While a drip loop is certainly not the answer, it's a good practice. In the event of a failure it does prevent water from traveling long distances and in your case into your electrical panel.

I do agree it should be fixed right, but a drip loop is also a good addition. For the same reason it's standard practice on commercial aircraft.

In many catastrophes there is a chain of things leading up to the big event. If you break any one of the links the catastrophe is eliminated. The new plug, drip loop, and proper sealing all lead to safety.

Ken