Shore Power Indicator Light

[Toryboy1]

the circuit breakers and other bits of shore power kit are situated in a cockpit locker on my boat. i would like an indicator light in the saloon, to remind/confirm that shore power is connected and funtioning. Now, I guess I could simply tap a light off the shore power supply, but I wonder if there is a way of doing this without running more high-voltage cable and bulbs- any suggestions greatfully recieved. And whilst I am at it, what about a polarity check?

 

[old_salt]

Rig up a 230v neon display they use next to no juice, and will not emit enough light as to be annoying, put in two then you will then have a good indication as they do eventually stop working, I don't think they actually blow electrically or maybe the voltage reducing resistance just goes open circuit. As to the polarity diodes would be the answer just connected in they would flicker but with a little electronic circuitry that would be easily sorted. Any good radio or TV repair shop man should be able to make it up for you at not to much cost.

 

[BlueMan]

Easiest way is to go to one of the DIY sheds and buy a tester built for just this purpose. Looks like a 3 pin mains plug but has three leds (or perhaps they are neons?) that show that polarity and wiring are correct. Should be les than £10. Plug it into a mains socket in the saloon and job done. If you don't see all three lit there is a problem.....

 

[john_morris_uk]

Polarity is a misleading term in this context and diodes are not the answer.

Put one neon (say green) between neutral and live and another (perhaps red) between neutral and ground. Green will always light when power is connected. If the red neon comes on as well, then neutral and live have been reversed. Not always a problem but potentially dangerous with some equipment.

 

[davidbains]

I use a night light for a childs bedroom which is simply a three pin plug that glows in the dark when live.

 

[old_salt]

Hi John . I was not referring to just LEDs as indicators but to build a PCB with diodes such as a 3 phase line indicator I am thinking 70s/80s tech here but much simpler. Which any good TV or inst mech could build very cheaply it would draw no currant where as other methods would, but again nothing to really speak of and be fail safe, as you suggest a system with neons across earth has it's probs but that would work quite successfully in general probably, you and I and many others would be quite happy with our own made units having been employed in the electronics industry but should we put any of our home made bits of kit in the hands of some one ( no reflection to the original poster) who wants a safe system and is not electrically tech minded. I think on reflection really we should advise any one who wants kit like this to have to have it made professionally.
Personally my self I go for a waterproof isolating tyranny on the pontoon and bring 12v DC on board.