AC - line to line

[bigal.nz 59]

Hi All,

I am converting a ex USA boat from 110v to 240v. The old inverter was wired for shore power, and a battery charger.

I have replaced the inverter with a Victron Pheonix (just for running laptops etc) until I get a more substantial one. The victron pheonix doesn't have a battery charger option or shore power option.

The bit thats got me, in terms of wiring, is the AC panel on this boat. It is a : https://www.newmarpower.com/wp-conte...anual-AC-I.pdf

Which says its ok to do 240v line-to-line : what does line-to-line mean?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/n6KHvPnACFCgtYXk8

Cheers

AG

[Crazyhorse 47]

Looks a mess! My suggestion is get a qualified elec' to do the job properly and he will give you the certification needed to use in marinas, worth the money and not putting lives in danger. I know enough to do it (and be dangerous and wouldn't attempt it. Keep in mind that if you accidentally run TWO phases together, shore power and the inverter....kaboom!!...and not just your boat!

[bigal.nz 59]

For completeness I think that the line-to-line term refers to something to do with single phase vs split phase power. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-phase_electric_power

 

I don't fully understand the what or why,but it is something to do with this. I think I will need to replace the AC panel.

 

AG
 

[bigal.nz 59]

Looks a mess! My suggestion is get a qualified elec' to do the job properly and he will give you the certification needed to use in marinas, worth the money and not putting lives in danger. I know enough to do it (and be dangerous and wouldn't attempt it. Keep in mind that if you accidentally run TWO phases together, shore power and the inverter....kaboom!!...and not just your boat!

 

CH considering I just want to get an AC outlet up and running I might bypass the AC breaker panel all together and just direct wire up one outlet for the time being.

 

The Victron Pheonix inverter is designed to have devices directly plugged in anyway as it comes with a regular NZ style AC plug in it.

 

When I upgrade later on, then I will get the whole setup re-done.

[Island Time 1,220]

Al. That panel is not suitable for dual supply (shorepower and inverter) . It's bad practice to share neutrals, each source should have it's own, and both live and N should be switched on a dual pole switch properly rated. There should be an rcd on each input source, before the switch panel. The switch panel should have a lockout so only one source at a time can be selected, and it should have a reverse polarity warning lamp. This is not for fun, this is a dangerous voltage level.

If you require only inverter power, while not ideal, you could use this panel, and remove the shorepower connections.

If you are not certain about this, get a marine electrician. Dont forget to bond the ac ground to DC neg at one point only. This is NOT an option!

[bigal.nz 59]

Hi IT,

 

Ok - so that panel is OK if I remove the shore power connector (is that irrespective of the line to line comment on the data sheet?)

 

Is it an option to connect this AC socket:

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjulfDgt8HgAhWaiHAKHQLsDaUQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.commodoreaustralia.com.au%2Fproduct%2Fphoenix-12350-schuko-outlet%2F&psig=AOvVaw0wPnPJ3_NKIOnqvWH3z3JQ&ust=1550447097435850

 

Directly to one of the AC sockets in the boat, bypassing the CB altogether, as it looks like that inverter is intended for devices to be plugged in directly?

 

Cheers

 

AG
 

[Island Time 1,220]

Alan, I dont wish to help you electrocute yourself or anyone else. The inverter is an ac power source same as the mains. It should be treated as such.

Please get a suitably qualified electrician to help if you are not certain what you are doing.

[bigal.nz 59]

Thanks IT. Will talk to local Marine sparky and get him to take a look. 

 

Irrespective of not doing it myself, I have nevertheless learnt a lot along the way.