Next message: BRIAN CONRAD: "lv-ab: Cruisair AC unit"
The new panel would appear to be a good idea.
But "properly grounded" should not mean the coupling of the circuits as you
suggest.
The AC ground and the Neutral should not be joined on the boat. That joint
originates at the distribution box for the dock (or it should).
I guess the (controversial) joining of the AC ground and the DC ground,
could be done in the distribution box. If you comply with this you should
put a galvanic isolator in the ground circuit where it enters from the shore
connector on the boat to protect against electrolysis. See
http://www.yandina.com/galvanicIsolator.htm for details.
I think all they should require for "proper grounding" is a contiguous
circuit from the ground pin of the shore power cord to every outlet or
installed device on the AC circuits. They may also be referring to the
grounding of any metal boxes or panels on the boat distribution.
If necessary, ask for a clarification - one way or another you paid for a
survey, they should be happy to help you comply.
Colin Foster,
> The survey says:
>
> "There is no main AC feed overcurrent protection, the AC branch circuits
> share a circuit breaker panel with the DC system with no mechanical
> separation of the busses and the system is not properly grounded."
>
> The insurance company says to fix it before using the AC, and before I can
> get 'replacement' insurance vs. 'depreciated value' insurance, at about
the
> same price. Worth doing, I think.
>
> So for ~$200 CDN I can get an AC panel with 30A breaker and 5 15A
breakers,
> that with a GFI should solve the problem. But what is 'properly grounded?
> AC ground, neutral and DC neg all together? Our upgrades to our 'new'
boat
> will include an inverter with charger built in - will this have a built in
> breaker? I was checking the specs for the Heart unit, and a breaker
wasn't
> mentioned.
>
> BTW, the list helped out enormously 6 years ago for the refit of our
> previous boat for a trip south. The 'new' boat is a '75 Fales Navigator -
> hope to see you all on the water.
>
> Steve and Lynne Wight
> Rideau Ferry
> Ontario Canada
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