Boating Tips & Tutorials: How to Connect Your Boat to Shore Power
Boat 9 years ago 18,841 views
Captain Dave shares some boating tips and shows us the Do's and Don'ts of connecting your boat to shore power while at the dock. Connecting to shore power allows you to use utilities such as the microwave or hair dryer with out having to use power from a generator. Power cords typically come in a 30 or 50 amp cord. Before plugging into the shore power pedestal, ensure that all power switches are turned off, both on the pedestal and the boat. Then, plug in the power cord, turn the cord to lock it in and turn on the power at the pedestal. Next, go to the outlet on the boat, plug in the cord, turning it as you plug it in. Then turn the locking ring to lock the cord in place. Go inside the boat and turn on the primary power, then choose the other switches you would like to provide power to. To disconnect from the shore power, turn off all the power on the panel in the cabin. Then go to the power pedestal to turn off the power switch.
Reason being, if a line would drop in the water when plugged in to power on the dock that is not good or if it is wet or raining and you have a defective cord YOU are going to be the path to ground. To do it properly, first have boat circuits off and main switch on boat panel off. Next after inspecting receptacle and plug at boat with other end at power supply disconnected you can plug in your plug at boat. Now with main circuit breaker off at power supply inspect and plug in securely. Turn on power breaker at power supply. Now go in boat and turn on boat panel main and check polarity indicator light. If that shows good you can now turn on all your other circuits and switches as needed. To unplug when leaving or as needed, turn off all power in boat first, go to main breaker on power supply on dock and turn off that circuit breaker and then you can safely unplug it there and then at your boat. Always inspect your power cords for damage before using and I also do a sniff test at plug ends before using because burnt plugs and wire have a definite odor. Repair or replace as needed. Think about it. does this make for a safer procedure then what you just watched by plugging in the power first ? Thank you. Ed K. Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie, Ohio.