Next message: Pierre Mitham: "lv-ab: Garmin GPS 128"
-----Original Message-----
From: "Bob Goth"<>
To:
Date: Sat May 12 14:02:46 PDT 2001
Subject: Re: lv-ab: Dockside fires
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <>
>To: <>
>Cc: <>
>Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2001 8:06 AM
>Subject: lv-ab: Dockside fires
>
>
>> Subj: Re: lv-ab: Keeping Your Cool
>> Date: 04/22/2001 3:38:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
>> In summary, fires can occour even when the current in the line is below
>the breaker or fuse rating. It happens often ashore, especially in the
>wintertime.
> The cause of this fire was the adapter that stepped
>the 15 amp available at the outlet to a 30 amp twist-lock.
>For a long time we have known that heat build-up due to corrosion in the
>plugs was problematic as we frequently had to replace melted plugs and
>adapters.
>The reason that the breakers doesn't break is increased resistance due to
>the defective connection reduces the current in the circuit causing dimming
>of lights etc. As the breaker is designed to detect increased current (lower
>resistance in the circuit )it does not trip.
>This new wisdom has prompted us to hard wire all portions of our 110 volt
>input and dispose of all adapters. We now install a new plug head on the end
>of the cable that is the correct plug for what ever source is available. The
>only occasional exception to this rule would be a 30 amp twist lock
>connected and thoroughly wrapped until watertight with electric tape when we
>require a longer extension cord than the 50 ft hard wired to the boat.
>We hope to not gain any further wisdom on this topic .
>
>Bob & Rina
>sv/Windquest
>
Bob and Rina
We had a similar experience because of a corroded shore power adapter.
We had just moved on to our housebarge in November. The power would randomly go off without evidence of any tripped breakers inside or out. After about thirty minutes or so (just long enough for our pellet stove to go out) the power would go back on.
It took a savy boat mechanic to figure out it was a 6 inch section of corroded shore power cord. He cut it back for us and added a new adapter and weather boot.
It was indeed over heating and seperating without tripping the circuit. When it cooled all would be well again.
No probelms since but now I am considering rewiring directly into the meter before next winter.
We have never had a problem on the boat.
Nice to be back on line with the group again!
Regards
Mary and Elise
The Enchanted Wave
Seaford NY
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