Options for multiple mains input sources ?

[Boo2]

Mostly idle curiosity but what do people do who have shore power from both 240V and 110V as well as a built-in generator ? I suppose for the dual input voltage you could have an input isolation transformer with multiple input windings and switch them in parallel or series, but would you just have a changeover switch for the onboard generator ? Or just plug the generator output into the shore power input connector ? Or what ?

Boo2

 

[daveyw]

I'm sure there is a "correct" way to do it but I have been thinking about this too. I've come up with the idea of having three sockets, each supplied from say shore, genny, inverter. You then have a plug which suppies your "ring main" which you can plug into whatever supply you have going. No chance of 2 supplies getting crossed.

 

[RobbieW]

I dont have the 110v option, the (built in) genny and 240v are on a changeover switch. The inverter is hardwired into the consumer box, I'd not looked to see how its protected - its an old Xantrex box.

Interesting thought though, needs some planning before crossing t'pond.

 

[nimbusgb]

Get a dual input isolation transformer custom wound. 2 different input plugs 110 and 220v in. The output of that goes to a changeover switch / relay contactor - Shore/genset - either manual or automatic. ( 5 second energise relay ) Then if the genset is running the power comes from that, if not the transformer is selected and whichever shore power is installed is running the boat. If you have a changeover switch on the transformer input someone is bound to leave it on 110 and plug in 220!

 

[lw395]

Get a dual input isolation transformer custom wound. 2 different input plugs 110 and 220v in. The output of that goes to a changeover switch / relay contactor - Shore/genset - either manual or automatic. ( 5 second energise relay ) Then if the genset is running the power comes from that, if not the transformer is selected and whichever shore power is installed is running the boat. If you have a changeover switch on the transformer input someone is bound to leave it on 110 and plug in 220!

Would you not get 220V out of the 220V input if there was 110V on that input?

It depends what you want from the electrical system. For a cruising boat just plugging in overnight, a battery charger running off the local mains (could be universal voltage type) and run appliances off the inverter might be a good solution.
If you were doing a refit and wanted lots of power, then a different solution is called for.