Electric - voltage

[Lotteryloser]

Can anyone advise what is the typical voltage used on boats. Have seen some stories over 230/240 v & assume if 110v was used that our appliances from home would not be much use.

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[snowleopard]

most boats use 12v, a few, usually the bigger ones, use 24v

when connected to the shore, european boats often take a 240/22v supply, americans use 110v

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[wishbone]

240v 110v would be the shore power or from genny, if your appliances are 110v you can step down the voltage to 110v USA boats are normally fitted with 110v appliances thus 110v shore or genny power required all other voltages would be for nav kit which is 12v dc. which is not affected buy shore power unless an inverter or mains transformer is used to supply various bits of kit from shore power or genny.

Hope this is clear as mud

<hr width=100% size=1>Wishbone
Rolling, rolling, rolling keep them doggies moving!
Where’s me chuck wagon gone?

 

[Lotteryloser]

Does that mean that as long as the wiring was up to it and appropriate sockets you can draw either voltage from on shore power in Europe (med).

Thanks

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[Lotteryloser]

nope sounds clear - Brit appliances sound best as a lot will cope with either voltage. Amercian won't but at least subject to plugs we may be able to use some by stepping down.

My last post crossed over your answer - I didn't realise that mystic meg was a sailor!

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[wishbone]

A 4kva 110v transforma should cost around £65.00 uk would suffice most bits of kit but would not run say fridge + hair drier + kettle just add up power rating and add a bit so not to exceed transforma rating.

<hr width=100% size=1>Wishbone
Rolling, rolling, rolling keep them doggies moving!
Where’s me chuck wagon gone?

 

[ccscott49]

Stick to 230 volt 50 hertz, this is available in all european marinas. 110 volt is american (basically) and is 60 hertz, some equipment will not work with a simple step down transformer. 12 volt is the standard now for lighting (bulbs are cheap!)and boat supply, for new boats, and virtually all new electronic navigation gear. Some of the older boats like mine are 24 volt, but it doesnt matter much, as step down (transformers) are available to run 12 volt from 24 volt. Hope this is helpful.

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[Colin_S]

I think the using of a 110v transformer has been covered recently on this forum. If you mean the yellow one's used on building sites, etc. they will probably be unsuitable for boat use as they do not have a 0v negative terminal that 240v systems have in the UK. They are centre tapped transformers and give 55v on each wire.
I am not familiar with electrical installations on boats but remember reading this could be a major problem. I suspect this would only apply if used to run the whole boat electrical installation but not if used to plug individual appliances straight into the transformer.

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